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HISTOKY 

OF 

SHEKBURNE, MASS. 

FROM ITS INCORPORATION, 

M DC LXXIV, 

TO THE END OF THE YEAR 
M D C C C XXX; 



INCLUDING THAT OF 



FRAMINGHAM AND HOJLL.ISTON, 

so FAR AS THEY WERE 
CONSTITUENT PARTS OF THAT TOWN. 



BY WILLIAM BIGLOW, 

AUTHOR OF THE HISTORY OF NATICK. 



1SG7 



PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY BALLOU & STACY. 
1830. 



ADVERTISEMENT. 



This Pamphlet is compiled chiefly from the Records of tte Town 
of Sherburne, in possession of the present Town Clerk. These re- 
cords, from the beginning of the settlement to the present time, have 
been made and preserved with a care, which deserves commendation. 
They exhibit the transactions of a community of the most independ- 
ent class of inhabitants, and of that, on which all other classes depend 
for subsistence ; namely, the cultivators of the soil. Though there 
is nothing found, in their transactions, to excite wonder, or astonish- 
ment, yet there is not a little, which may afford amusement and in- 
struction ; especially to the descendents of the worthy persons, who 
redeemed this part of our land from the wilderness, who bave " ac- 
complished, as a hireling, their day, and whose sepulchres remain 
with us." 



mR^^(Bm'^ (Qw ^mmmm^TJi^i^^ 



BOUNDARIES, TOPOGRAPHICAL DESCRIPTION, Ac. 



SHERBURNE is situated on the extreme south point 
of the County of Middlesex, south-westerly from Boston. 
The ancient milestone at the foot of Meeting-house 
hill, and within an 8th of a mile from the centre of the 
town, was marked in olden time, " Boston 22 miles.'' 
The distance, as the road now runs, is about 19; and 
when this shall be straitened, as has been proposed and 
laid out, it will not exceed 18 miles from the centre of the 
town to the city. 

Sherburne is bounded N. by Framingham ; N. E. by 
Natick ; E. by Dover and Medfield ; S. E. by Medfield ; 
S. by Medway ; S. W. and W. by Holliston ; N. W. by 
Framingham. It contains about 10,000 acres, 200 of 
which are covered with water. According to a plan, ta- 
ken by Joseph Ware, Esq. its extreme length, from N. to 
S. is 6 miles and 30 rods ; and its extreme breadth, from 
E. to W. 4 miles and 154 rods. A new survey is begun 
by Dalton Goulding, Esq. from which a map will ere long 
be delineated, according to a late act of the General 
Court. 

Principal Road, Mails^ &c. — The only mail road 
through this town is that, which has been called the " Hart- 
ford road,'' from " time which the memory of man run- 
neth not to the contrarv." It leads from Boston to Hart- 



4 HISTORY OF SHERBUllNE. 

ford, ill Connecticut. Mail, stage and accommodation 
coaches are doing a large and increasing business on this 
route. For their number, names and other particulars the 
reader is referred to Badger & Porter's Stage Register? 
published periodically in Boston. There is a post-office 
kept, on this road, near the centre of the town, where tl^ 
mail is opened daily, Sundays excepted. The other roads 
are numerous and generally kept in good repair. 

The only tavern in town is near the center and situated 
on this road. Its owner, Captain Daniel Paul, is the 
only person in town licenced to sell liquors by the glass. 
Here travellers and others may find every desirable accom- 
modation. 

On this road there are four or five "variety stores," as 
they are called in New England, where groceries and dry 
goods are retailed. 

Surface of the Country, Soil and Productions. — 
The land in most parts of the town is very hilly, rocky 
and stony ; but the soil is rich and productive. It amply 
compensates the husbandman for the labour bestowed on 
it. Pasture, tillage and upland mowing grounds are hap- 
pily proportioned throughout the township ; and valuable 
meadows, some abounding in peat, are interspersed in the 
vallies. There are still remaining many valuable wood- 
lots, which not only furnish the inhabitants with fuel ; but 
also firewood, charcoal and timber for ship-building and 
other purposes, for the city market. The inhabitants, like 
those of many other towns, m this region, are adopting a 
method to prolong and perpetuate the growth of forest trees, 
sufficient to supply the present and future generations with 
this necessary article. They clear a parcel of land entirely 
of the wood, and leave it to grow up again immediately ; 



1 



11 1 STORY OF SMERCURNE. O 

calculating to have it cut down once in about 30 years. 
The soil is peculiarly well adapted to the growth of the 
apple and other frait trees ; and the owners of it have; 
availed themselves of this advantage to an extent, which 
deserves and receives commendation. The apples, cider 
and vinegar, with which Sherburne furnishes the market, 
do not suffer in comparison with those of any other town- 
ship in the commonwealth. The butter from the dairies is 
highly prized ; but the superiority of this deducts from the 
goodness of the cheese, which is made here ; and induces 
the dealers in this article to purchase that, v^'hich is brought 
to market from a greater distance, where the skimming 
dish is not so fashionable. ludian corn, rye, barley, oats, 
and all the culinary roots and vegetables, which in the 
Yankee dialect are called sauce, are raised here jn al)un- 
dance. There is a meadow washed by Sewal brook, 
•which has afforded, in one season, 2000 bushels of cran- 
berries, which have been converted into a very palatable 
sauce, in the English sense of the word. 

But few of the hills are distinguished by proper names ; 
and indeed if tliey were, they are so numerous, that a 
catalogue would occupy more space, than could well be 
spared in a pamphlet of ordinary size. The most remark- 
able is Brush hill, about a mile from the centre of the 
town, in a northerly direction. This is of a beautiful coni- 
cal shape, entirely cleared of wood, as elevated, as any 
other, withm many miles of it, and seen at a great distance, 
m every direction. The prospect from the summit is ex- 
tensive and variegated. Standing on this, one looks down 
on the handsome villages of Framingham,Natick, I^iedfield, 
Medway and Holliston; and in a circle outside of these, the 
church in Jjiiii;yln, and the hill above it, Prospect hill in 



6 IIlSTORy OF SHERBURNK. 

Waltliam, Blue lull iii Milton, the churches and highlands 
ill [lopkinton, .Shrewsbury and other towns, the church in 
Princeton, the Watchusett, Monadnock and many other 
Mountains, which appear like clouds rising in the hori- 
zon. In every point of compass, a tract of country 
presents itself, exactly suited to an agricultural and man- 
ufacturing community. Peters hill is about a mile from 
Brush hill, in a northeasterly direction. This is remark- 
able for its steepness, presenting on its westerly side, for 
about 100 rods in lengtJi, a ledge of rocks, almost per- 
pendicular, excepting (me place, which is known by the 
name of the Devil's cart-way, from its resemblance to an 
artificial road. The perpendicular height on this side is 
from 40 to 60 feet. At its base a fine thrifty growth of 
young forest trees hides its ruggedness from the eye of 
the passenger on the road, that runs parallel to it. Meet- 
ing-house hill, about a mile distant from Brush hill, in a 
south easterly direction, is remarkable only, as the place 
devoted to public worship from the first settlement of the 
town. City hill, lately so named, about a mile S. W. 
from Brush hill, is little else than a pyramid of rocks^ 
piled up by the rude hand of nature. When the magnetic 
needle is brought near this, there is a local attraction,, 
which causes it to vary about five degrees. A similar 
attraction is observed in a swamp, through which the- 
boundary line runs between Sherburne and Framing- 
ham ; ard in a less degree in other parts of the town. . 

At the north west corner of the town, next to Framing- 
ham, the land is flat, moist, free from stone and of.' 
good quality, about a mile square. There is considerable. 
plain sandy land, round Farm pond in the easterly part, and' 
so free from rocks and stones, that the inhabitants cannot 



HISTORY OF SIIERBIRNE. / 

pocuie a sufiiciciicy for fLMicing their grounds, v, iihoiit 
going to a distance, which rendcM's it inconvenient, laborj- 
ons i-;nd expensive. In the soutii part there is a plain, 
elevated considerably above the waters of Clinrk;s river, 
on the easterly side and a hollow on the oj>po.sito. Tlic 
road, leading from Meeting-house hill to the east pavisli 
in Mcdway, passes throngh nearly the middle of tliis plain, 
which is about 11-2 miles in length and 1-1. of a mile 
in breadth. Edwards Plain, about 1-2 a mile in length 
and 1-8 in breadth, lies S. E. of Meetiiig-honse 'lil!, com- 
mencing about 100 rods distant from its base, on the road 
from Hartford to Boston. 

Ponds, Brooks, River. — There arc two considerabio 
ponds, in the easterly part of the town. Farm pond cov- 
ers about 160 acres and is well stored witsi ipickercl, perch, 
pouts and other fish. There is a beautiful island within 
it, to which anglers fref^uentiy resort to cook and fc^ist on 
their prey, beneath the shade; of tlie forest trees. This 
pond has no visible inlet ; but a p(;rennial rivulet, whic'i 
empties into Charles river, at the di^^tance of a wvAc, is 
constantly supplied by it, and serves to irrigate the lands, 
through which it passes. Little pond, about 3-4 of a mile 
north from the above, covering from 40 to 50 acres, con- 
tributes to Charles riv<^,r through Sawin's brook. Tliis af- 
fords some sport for the angler. On tlm south margin* of 
this pond is a mineral spring, which was highly j)rized by 
the Indians in former days, for its mtedicinal qualities ; and 
some white peo[>le are sup})Osed to have received csen- 
tial benefit from it. I know not that its waters liave 
ever been analyzed. 

There are three streams, in this itown, on ^vhich mills 
are erected; but these arc supplied, with a suflicieucy ot 



is III STORY OF SIIERIirilXK. 

water to move the in;iciiinerv, only in tlu^ wiiilcr srnson. 
Mr. Isaac Cozens has a saw mill on Chestnut brook, in the 
north westerly part of th.e town, and Mr. Jonathan Hol- 
brook on Sewal brook, in the soutlr-easterly section, has 
a saw mill and corn mili. On Dirty meadow brook there 
are two sawmills; one owned by Col. Daniel Lciand, the 
other by James and Samuel Leland. The town, however, 
IS well watered with springs and rivulets, and possesses 
many convenient situations for conveying water by 
aqueducts into dwelling houses, barn yards and wherever 
else it is wanted. Of this the inhabitants have availed 
themselves. 

On th,-) southerly side of the dwelling house of Isaac 
Wliitney, Esq. near Holliston line, a number of springs 
iniiting form a rivulet called, in the ancient records, 
Doppin broo!:, which rmis in a southerly direction, the 
waters of which are continually accumulating, till they fur- 
nish a supply for several mill seats, and finally unite with 
Charles river, in Medway. On the northerly side of this 
house, at the distance of a quarter of a mile, similar springs 
unite and form a like stream, which falls into Sudbury 
river. On the southeasterly declivity of Brush hill, near 
the dwelling house of Mr. John Perry, the springs con- 
tributing to Chestnut brook, called also Coarse brook, 
which empties into Long pond in Natick, and eventually 
into the Merrimack, are only about ten rods distant from 
those, which unite, in an opposite direction, with Sawin's 
brook, a tributary stream of the Charles. These wa- 
ters, of course, min:^ le with the ocean, at a long dis- 
tance from each other; namely, at the mouths of the 
Merrimack, Charles j md Neponset. Charles river sepa- 
rates Sherburne from :Medfield and Dover on the south and 
cast, and forms the h Qundary line for nearly five miles. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 



llEMVRKABr.E Trees.— An Elm on the farm of Mr. 
John Lchiud, in the westerly part of the town, planted 
there by one of the first English inhabitants of the place, 
now measures, on the smtUce of the ground, twenty-seven 
and a half feet in circumference; at the height of 6 feet, 
the girth is 14 feet. It tapers very gradually to the height 
of 20 feet, where its branches spread to all points of the 
compass, resembling very nearly the celebrated tree of 
the same kind, on Boston common. There are many 
other stately elms in all parts of the town. On the farm 
of John Twitchel, in the N. W. part, there is a cherry tree 
of the Mazzard species, which measures, at the height of 
three feet from the ground, eleven feet in circumference. 
Tho stone, from which this tree sprung, was brought from 
tlie east part of Watertown, near Cambridge line, A. D. 
1762. The fruit produced by it in one season, has l)een 
sold, in Boston market, for ^'30. Though it is now 
decaying, its annual produce is considerable. The 
inhabitants of this vicinity believe this to be the largest 
tree of the kind in this Commonwealth. This is the 
parent of several others, in the town and vicinity, which 
do honour to their progenitor. The first apple seed, plant- 
ed in Sherburne, was brought from England in the pocket 
of the first Mrs Leland, who settled in the place. This 
became a large tree and produced abundance of fruit, 
of the kind, known by the name of English spice apple, 
till A. D. 1815, when one half of it was blown down in 
the great September gale. The rest of it gradually decay- 
ed' and fell down about three years since. From the 
stump another tree has sprung up, which now measures, 
at 18 inches from the surface of the ground, 2 feet in cir- 
cumference, and has produced this year two bushels of 



It) HISTORY OF SHERBUR.NE. 

apples. Scions from tliis have been ingrafted in many otlier 
places. The origin of the Porter apples, so called, which 
are highly valued, wherever they arc known, is said to 
be as follows. A tree was found growing spontaneously 
on the farm of Rev. Mr. Porter, which produced no fruit 
for several years. At length Mr. P. discovered on it a 
single apple, which he tasted and found to be of very 
agreeable flavor. He then paid particular attention to 
the tree, which became very large and productive ; and 
scions were carried from it, in all directions, and ingrafted 
on other stocks. TIk; stump of the parent tree is still re- 
maining, on the farm of Hon. Calvin Sanger. Mr. Ga- 
lim Bullard, not long since, conveyed several sprouts, with 
part of the parent roots, to his farm, where he set them 
out. All are now alive, and one of them, at least, bids 
fair to become a large and fruitful tree. Between 40 and 
50 years ago, Rev. Mr. Brown began to procure scions of 
the best sorts of fruit, and ingrafted them on such stocks, 
as he found on his farm. In front of his late dwelling 
house, on the opposite side of the road, the land was over- 
run with scrub or shrub apple trees, made and kept so by 
the cattle browsing upon them. Part of these he caused 
to be removed, and part to be pruned and sawed off, at a 
suitable distance from the ground, and ingrafted with 
scions as mentioned above. This is the history of a 
flourishing and productive orchard. Many of Mr. B's 
parishioners have, in this particular, followed his laudable 
example, with equal success. Many trees, bearing excel- 
lent apples, have apparently sprung up spontaneously, in 
various parts of the town. 

A large black oak , called the W. tree, from its having 
this letter carved upon it, served for a landmark, on the 



HISTORV OF SHERBURNE. 11 

line between Sherburne and Framingham, for a long series 
of years. It is mentioned in Sherburne records as far back 
as Jan. 1683. Its decayed remains were removed, A. D. 
1822, and a large stone erected in its place, bearing the 
same mark ; whicli bids fair to answer the same purpose, 
as its predecessor, to very remote generations. 

Inhabitants. — The inhabitants of this place, from its 
first settlement, have been and still continue to be indus- 
trious, frugal and generally skilful cultivators of the soil. 
A large proportion of farms are owned, occupied and im^ 
proved by the fifth, sixth and seventh generations, de- 
scended from those, who first redeemed them from the 
wilderness. Among these the name of Leland is most 
prevelent. Of 165 legal voters, on the list for 1830, no 
less than 29 bear this name. All the other names, which 
appear on the list of those, who first " assembled for the 
ordering the affairs of Shearborn, in 1674," are still found 
in Sherburne, HoUiston, or that part of Framingham, 
which was set off from Sherburne ; viz, Morse, Fairbanks 
Babcock, Adams, Holbrook, Bullard, Hill, Perry and 
Fames. As early as 1679, we find other names, which 
are still prevalent in these towns ; viz. Twitchel, Whit- 
ney, Cozens, Learned, Breck, Coolidge, &c. 

Among the farmers are interspersed a due jji-oportion of 
the most common and useful kinds of mechanics. — 
In this class of citizens, Messrs. Partridge and Babcock 
rank high, as skilful manufacturers of edge tools and elas- 
tic forks, for moving hay, or manure, and Mr. Lemuel 
Leland, as an ingenious gunsmith ; his rifles and smooth- 
bored muskets, either with flint or percussion locks, being 
much celebrated. The late Silas Stone Esq. was the in- 
ventor of a truss, for the relief of persons afflicted with 



12 HISTORY OF SHERIJURNK. 

H-crnia, which has been highly appiovcd by gentlemen of 
the medical and surgical professions, and for which he ob- 
tained a patent. This valuable article is still manufactur- 
ed by his son, who bears the name and inherits the in- 
genuity of the father. A number of hammerers of stone 
are constantly employed, on an inexhaustible quarry of 
granite, or sienite, owned by Isaac Whitney Esq. and ly- 
ing partly in Sherburne, but chiefly within the bounds of 
Holliston. 

Till within the last twenty years, the people hrre gen- 
erally manufactured their own clothing. Their domestic 
music was the sound of the spinning wheel and the loom. 
This, since the introduction of great manufactories, ])ut 
in operation by water power, has given place to the more 
silent employment of braiding straw, or palm leaf. vSomt 
of the bonnets and hats manufactured here, were they 
"dear bought and ffir fetched," would be deemed fit for 
any ladies or gentlemen in the land. 

In 1764, there were 113 families and 630 inhabitants. 
The number, according to the census of 1820, was 811^ 
and according to that of 1 830, it is 900 ; the increase in 
10 years 89. One reason of this slow increase is that, 
too many of the farmers, like their ancestors, jud"^e of 
the value of their farms, according to the number of acres 
instead of the state of cultivation and amount of po^wce. 
Hence, instead of dividing a large farm into two, or three 
to accommodate as many sons, and setting each to culti- 
vate his portion in the best, which is the easiest and the- 
cheapest manner; the whole homestead is inherited by 
one ; and the rest, taking the portion of money, which 
falleth to them severally, emigrate to a place, where they 
can purchase much land for little money, half cultivate a 



IIISTOllY OF sHF-Rm-llM-:. 



13 



jinrt of it , aiul lot the rest lie un})roductivc. Odicrs be- 
take thcinsclves to our l;u-«e towns and cities, where they 
enter into mercantile, or other employmenls in those places. 
This j)ractice, however, is growing less prevalent, than 
it ^\as formerly ; improvements are constantly made in 
the methods of cidlivation; and it is believed, that the 
(piantity of the most importimt articles, now produced 
annually, is double Nvhat it was twenty-live years ago. 

Education, &.c. — The inhabitants of this towTi front 
its first settlement appear to have been sensible of the 
importance of literary instruction. So early as 1684 it 
seems that land was granted for this i>urpose. In 1694, 
Edward West was chosen Schoolmaster for the town, — 
A. D. 1718, twelve ])ounds, 1719, eighteen pounds Avere 
granted for the support of a school for the teaching of 
children and youth to read, write and cypher. The town 
has been divided, from the date of earliest grants for this 
purpose, into from three to six districts ; and the sums 
appropriated have been gradually increased from the" day 
of small things" to the present time. Thy first appro- 
priation for building a school house was made A. D. 1727 ; 
aad the house finshed A. D. 1728, or 1729. 

The town is now^ divided into six school districts, each 
of which is accommodated with a convenient school 
house, and ,<(700 a year granted for hiring teachers, and 
other expenses. Female teachers are employed in the 
waj;m, and male, in the cold season of the year. 

In the year 1825, a large and commodious house was 
erected by subscrii)tion, in which an academy, or scliool 
for the higher branches of education, has been and 
continues to be kept ; and which has been of no small 
advantage to the youth of this and some other towns. 



14 



HISTORY OF SIIERBLRNE. 



A company for the purpose of purchasing a social li- 
brary was formed A. D. 1808. TJiere are now belong- 
ing to this establishment 250 volumes, and provision Is 
made for its gradual increase. 

A Debating Society has been in the practice of meet- 
ing for discussing interesting topics, for a number of years ; 
and a Lyceum has been recently established under favor- 
able auspices. Sunday schools have been kept and well 
attended here, for several years past ; and money has been 
frequently and liberally granted for the defraying the ex- 
penses of schools, for the teaching of sacred music. 

Sherburne has furnished its full sliare of students in our 
universities, some of whom have displayed and are dis- 
playing superiour talents, both natural and acquired. In 
the following catalogue, H. U. stand for Harvard Uni- 
versity and B. U. for Brown University. Those, whose 
names are printed in italics, are, or have been ordained 
ministers of the gospel. Those, with this mark * pre- 
fixed, are not living. 

College Graduates. 
*Adam Bullard, H. U. 1742. 

* William Phipps, IL U. 1 746. Minister in Douglass 
Mass. "= ' 

*Hezekiah Coolidge, E. U. 1750. 

* Joseph Perry, H. U. 1 752. 

* Eliab Stone, H. U. 1 758. Minister in Reading, Ms. 
""Zedekiah Sanger, H. U. 1771. S. T. D. Minis- 
ter in Duxbury, and afterwards in Bridgewater, Mass. 

"" Enoch Whipple, H. U. 1779. 

* Samuel Kendall, B. U. 1782. S. T. D. Minister 

of Weston, Mass. 



HISTORY OF SHERBL'RNE. '^ 

Htnru Ware, H. U. 1785. • S. T. D. Minister in 
llinghani, Mass. and now Professor of Divinity in Har- 
vard University. 

•=^ Aaron Gardner, B. U. 1799. Schoolmaster on 

Long Island, N. Y. 

* Elijah Brown, H. U. 1804. Died July 28, 1805 ; 

aged 24. 

* Henry Brown, H. U. 1804. Died August 5, 1810; 
aged 27. Attorney at law. 

Amos Clarke, H. U. 1804. Minister of the first Con- 
gregational Church and Society, in his native town. 

Ashur Ware, H. U. 1804. Judge of District Feder- 
al Court for the State of Maine. 

Moses Holbrook, H. U. 1808. Physician in Charles- 
ton, S. C. 

* Artemas Johnson, B. U. 1808. Physician in Paw- 

tuckot. 

Ebenezer Stone, B. U. 1820. Physician, in Wal- 

pole, Mass. 

Dexter Leland, B. U, 1822. Chaplain and School- 
master U. S. Navy. 

Elbridgc Sanger passed two years in B. U. having en- 
tered, A. D. 1822. He left on account of a dcikency 
in the organs of hearing. 

Auiiustin Leland entered B. U. 1830. 

Physicians.— The first physician, in this place, ac- 
cording to tradition, was a Dr. Robinson, who resided m, 
or near the stone fortified house, at the south end, and was 
drowned in Charles river, while returning in the night on 
the ice, from a visit to Medfield. Dr. Hill, who settled 
near City hill, was celebrated in former days, for his skill 



u 



IIISTOKV OK SIIKIICl'R.Ni:. 



in iniulicino ciiid sur^L^iMT, as was Iiis wW'c, for Iut skill in 
the obstetric art. 

Drs, Linr:olii, SliojiiKMil, L(;\\)t, Flaii^-, Wise and 
Wi^^jit are nionlioiicd, as having hecii residiMit here ; but, 
at Viimt timo they made tiieir entrance, or their exit, is 
not ascertained. 

Dr. Jonathan Taj l)ecanie a resident here about the 
year 1772, and died, in January, 1827, at an advanced 
age. Samuel Locke, son of the ibriner minister, oi' the 
same name, entered on the practice of medicine here, 
l)ut died in the year 1788, at the age of 27 years. 

'iai)k!y Wyeth, a native of Cambridge, and a graduate 
of Harvard University, in 1786, came to the town 1789^ 
and die(] 1813, aged 48. William Sweetser, a native of 
Ijoston and graduate of IJ. U. 1815, practiced here a 
considerable tim.c, and is now a professor, in the medical 
department of the University of Vermont. Oliver Ev- 
(M-ett, a native of Dedham, Mass. and graduate of 13 rovvn 
[Jniver.sity, 182J, took up his al)ode here in 1825, and is 
now tkt; only physician in the town ; and such is the sal- 
ubrity of tlie situation and the good habits of the inhabi- 
tants, that one is amply sufficient. 

Lawyf.hs. — The celebrated Fisher Ames commenced 
tlie practice of law in this town, but soon returned to his 
native Dedham. 

" A lawyer, by the name of Daniel Warren, came to 
Sherburne about A. D. 1812; but his fees were insuf- 
licient for his maintenance, and he soon left the place. 
Since that the town has been ^\ holly free from lawyers, 
and generally from lawsuits. Several young gentlemen 
of the green bag have inquired of the inhabitants, if it were 



HISTORY OF 3HERBUR-NE. 17 

Jin (!lioiI)lc situation foi'one of that prdfessio^, and hajVte' 
Iwcii iiiiiionnly and rriily assuved, that it is an excelled 
l)lace for a lau'jor to starve in, but not one in winch he can 
g;wn a living. 'L'liey have believed' this and kept them'- 
selves away." Thus writes a native of the town. 

Public Buildings. — There are two houses for public 
worship and a building for an Academy, near the centre 
of the town, and six school houses for the accommGdation 
of t'»e free schools, in the several districts. Further par- 
ticulars, resepcting the houses for worships wiil' be found* 
in other parts of this pamphlet. 

Burying Grounds. — The old south burying ground is 
probably the oldest, in the town, as the first settlers Ib- 
cated themselves in its immediate vicinity. It lies un- 
feiiced in a pasture, is overun with svhortle berry, fern and 
other bushes, and many of the gravestones are prostrated 
and exposed to the trampling of horses and cattle. A 
number of tlie stones have the following inscription ; 
'• died in the memorable mortality, A.D. 1754." Though 
the dilapidated state of tliis repository cannot be suppos- 
sed to be injurious to the dead, it is calculated to wound 
the feelings of the living, who are possessed of com- 
mon humanity, and who may ehance to (^cover iH- in their 
solitary rambles. 

The Farm grave-yard is undoubtedly nearly, if not quite, 
as ancient as the Old South, as that part of the town be- 
gan to be settled almost as early, as the south end. This 
was unused for many years, after a few had been de- 
posited in it, and was suffered to be overrun with wood. 
About forty years ago the inhabitants again began to 
3 



18 HISTORY or SHERBURNE. 

appropriate it to the use, for which their ancestors design- 
ed it, and since that time it has been cleared, inclosed 
with a substantial stone wall, and now makes a very de- 
cent appearance. A number of the ancient graves aye 
covered in their whole length, with rough stones, which 
is said to distinguish those, which contain the remains of 
persons, who died of the small pox. 

The Central grave yard, near Mr. Joseph Sanger's 
store, is the third that was laid out. In this are deposit- 
ed the remains of the first four ministers of the place, — 
Gookin, Baker, Porter and Locke. 1 insert the follow- 
ing epitaphs, as curiosities ; one determining the time, 
when this ground was first used as a burying place, and 
both showing the quaintness of the style of writing, which 
was fashionable a century and half ago. 
Elizabeth 

Daughter of Moses and Lydia Adams. 

Born, Sept. ye 18, 1686. Died June ye 

17, 1689. Her body was ye first grain sown 

in this ground. 

Alone in empty bed it was laid down, 

With many saints to rise and take her crown. 



Under thi« stone there lies the dust 
Of Thomazin Collicut, & just 
Besides her her Granddaughter dear, 
Bethiah Gookin lieth here. 
To threescore years & fourteen more 
The one attains, or seventy four. 

August 22, 1692. 
The other near thrice seven weeks 
Beholds the light, the Grave then seeks. 

March ye 1st. 1693-4. 

A grave stone, found near the dwelling house of Mr. 

Isaac Cozens, and preserved in a faced stone wall, which. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 19 

incloses his door yard, it is said was intended to be erect- 
ed in the central yard, in memory of the person whose 
name it bears ; but it was not procured till her friends 
had forgotten where they had laid her. It bears this in- 
scription. 

Here lycs ye Body 
Of Grace 

BULLEN Who 

Died August 1 1 
1689 & in ye 26 
Year of Her 
Age. 
There is a burying yard on the north side of Brush hillv 
in which the first person interred was Luther Perry, 
who died Feb. 22d. 1785. 

The next ground appropriated to this use is the New 
South grave yard, in which Mrs. Hannah Ware and her 
infant child were first deposited. They died, March 2d 
1790. 

The Western burying yard received for its first deposit, 
Mrs. Hannah Twitchel, who died Sept. 29, 1791. 

In the Plain burying yard Miss Rebecca Newell was 
the first, who was buried. She died, June 29, 1792. 

Civil History. — The following is the Act of Incor- 
poration, transcribed from the Records of the General 
Court of Massachusetts. " At a General Court, held at 
Boston, May 27, 1'674. — In answer to the Petition of the 
Inhabitants and proprietors of Land near Bogestow, the 
Court granted the Petitioners the quantity of Six miles 
square, not exceeding eight miles in length, to take in as 
many Farms with the vacant Lands adjoining or inter- 



3© HISTORY OF SHIJIJBIJIIXE. 

mixed ttherewith as that qimntity of Land will aduiitt ; 
j>ix)\'ided that none of tlve Farmers sliall have any part of 
the aforesaid vacant Land now granted by this ('omt ; — 
but the said Land to be distributed amongst such other 
persons as will come t«) inhabit in the said Town as the 
major part of the Farmers think meet : provided that 
there be a Farm of 200 Acres of meet Land reserved^ 
and by Captain Fisher laid out for a Farm for the Conntry; 
and that no Man shall have allotted above fifty Acres, till 
there be twenty new families settled there, and then the 
whole that is free to be disposed of as the major part of 
the Inhabitants, capable by law to vote, shall judge \iieet. 
And the name of the Town to be called Shcarboru. 
A true Coppy attested, Edward Kawson, Secrciury. 

By a plan of the township, delineated on parchment, A. 
D. 1701, now in the possession of the town clerk, it ap- 
pears that Sherburne originally extended as far north, as 
Sudbury river, in Framingham, near the Old burving 
ground, including part of Gieat pond in that town, so cal- 
ed on the plan, now known by the name of Fa,rn» pond ; 
and the whole of Washacum pojid. N.W. it was boundiul 
hy Sudbury river and Cold Spring brook, including that 
part of Hopkinton. called Maguncook, Magunkoog, 
or Maguncog, as the spelling is various, in Natick and 
Sherburne records. S. W. it extended to Deer brook, in- 
cludiiig pait of what is now^ Milibrd, then Moidon ; and 
the whole of Holliston, as it was bounded previously to 
1829. S. and E. the line, between it and Medwa} , Med- 
iield and Dover, varied but little from that, whidi now 
separates it from these towns. 

Natick, the aboriginal word for, a place of hills, em- 
braced, at that time, Peters and Brush hills, and that part 



II'STOUY OF SHERBURNE. H 

of Sherburne,' wliicli is vulgarbj called Dirty Meadow. — 
These lands were purchased of the iXatick tribe, in ex- 
change for their Maguncook lands and other considera- 
tions, as will be (binid in the sequel. It is also stated, in 
\V^orthi»io:ton's History of Dedliaai, that three iliousaiid 
four hundred acres, in the east part of Sherburne, once be- 
longed to the grantees of that township, by a grant to tliem 
of live miles square, north of ('har!es river, A. D. 1636. 
By the map, or j)lan, abovenientioiicd, it is ascert;'ine,d 
that the first iiihabitants of Sherburne located thcmsehes, 
at the southern extremity of the town-hi]), on the margin:^ 
of J3ogestow poiid and Charles river. Here a stone hou?e 
VA'as erected, and occupied as a garrison house, on inter- 
vale Laid, '.ilnch, by a late running of the boundarv liiie, 
between tliis tow ii and Medway, falls a few rods within 
the latter. This spot is orC of the last, which would be 
chosen, \\\ the.-e days, lor a fortiiied place, as it is com- 
pletely o'.erlooked and commanJed by a steep hill, within 
a few rods of it. FJiis house hns beCii taken down, nitli- 
in the n)ejnory of maj-y now living. 

Notwithstanding tliO unfavoitrable situation of this 
building, it seems to have been of no little importance to 
our ancestors, as a place of defence. When Medfield in- 
cluding what is now ]\Ied\\ay, was nearly destroyed by 
the Indians, Feb. 21, 1676, it is said that a nun:ber of 
the inhabitants of that town fled to this garrison. Eev. 
Dr. Sanders of Medfield observes, in his Historical Ser- 
mon, that, " on tlie 6tli of May following, the Indians 
met with a notorious rfpiihc, at this stone house. On 
the 2d of July, there was near this a new conflict, in the 
woods, and more execution was done upon the enemy.*' 
There was another garrison house, near Holbrook's mills, 
and a third at Dirty meadow. 



n 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 



Tliough it is not known that any of the inhabitants 
were either ivilled, or captivated, or any of their property 
destroyed by the Indians, witliin the settlement ; tliey 
must have suffered many deatiis in apprehension. Three 
of the adjoining towns were nearly depopulated ; name- 
ly, Mediield, Mendon and Sudbury ; and, in the last men- 
lioncd, the brave Capt. Wadsworth, and his company 
were entirely cut off and sacrificed to savage barbarity. 
The Natick tribe also, adjacent to them, were suspected 
of being hostile, though without any real foundation for 
gsuch suspicion. 

Since writing the above, I have been made acquainted 
with a tradition, which is handed down very directly, that 
on the morning, on which Medfield was attacked by the 
l-ndians two brothers, Jonathan and Eleazer Wood of Sher- 
burne, were sent to the former place, to fetch a pair of 
oxen. They entered the barn, wh^re the beasts were kept, 
at day break, heard a noise in the barn, which they mistook 
for that of swine, let out the cattle, and, while in the act 
of yoking them, were assailed by a party of Indians, 
who rushed from the barn, knocked them on the head 
with their tomahawks and left them for dead. 

After the Indians had completed their work of destruc- 
tion and retired to such a distance from the place, that the 
surviving Enslish ventured to attend to the dead and 
wounded, the brothers were found. Jonathan had expired, 
but Eleazer was alive and survived several years. The 
former left a wife and children, the latter was afterwards 

married and had children. 

A number of families, in the town, can trace their pedi- 

s^rec back to those men. They owned the farm now be- 

Jongiiig to Major John Gould ing. 



HISTORY OF SHERUURiNE. 23 

1674-.5, Jail. 4th, — Assembled for the ordering the af- 
fairs of Shearborii, Daniel Morse, George Fairbanks, 
Robert Badcock, Henry Adams, Thotnas Holl)rook, Ben- 
jamin Bullard, John Hill, Henry Laland, Joseph Morsr^ 
Obediah Morse, Daniel Morse, jr. Joiiatlian Morse, John 
Perry, Jonathan ■ — , [surname not legible.] Thom- 
as Eames is accepted as an inhabitant of Shearborn. 

At this meeting Committees were appointed, to take 
a Tiew of the Land for the laying out of the Courts 
grant ; to agree with Thomas Thurston, Survcyor.foft the- 
laying out that Tract of Land — and assist the measurer 
about laying out the Land, &c. Also, Henry Adams, 
Robert Badcock & Thomas Eames are required to treat 
with Capt. Gooken and whom it may concern else, for 
the purchasing of someNatick Land to the accommodating 
the Plantation, and to make return to the Company. 

1675. — March 8th — Assembled for the ordering the af- 
fairs of Sherborn. " Voted to raise fifty shillings for the 
Surveyor for his work." (At this Meeting Committees 
were chosen) " to take a view where to add to the grants 
of Land what is yet wanting to make up the complement 
and to take a view of Natick Land, for the exchanging 
with them." 

1676-7. —March 15th — Then was Obediah Morse, 
chosen to keep the Records of Sherborn. It was the 
mind of the Inhabitants and their desire that Capt. Fish- 
er should be treated witb, that He would be helpful, or 
undertake the settlement of the Plantation. 

1677. — 2d m. 13th day — Assembled to prepare for the 
exchange of Land between Natick and Sherborn, as en- 
couragement has been givep at the Court by Mr. Eliot 
and Major Gookin. 



24 HISTORY OF SIIERBURNF.. 

3d month, 9th d;iy — At a meeting of" the Inhnbitants 
of Sh('r!)orii, Th(; Comiiiittc^e clioseji bv the General 

Court hei ig" ihei) v.itli us The Committee eiiquiniij^ 

where was the ])l;ic(; inttujded for a Meetijighoiirbe. It 
was then voted a jd agreed on that the phice intended lor 
a Meetinghouse slio'idd be on a parcel of Land joining or 
bordering on the Land of Nicolas Wood and Capt. liulFs 
Farm. — Capt. Hull's house is supposed to have stood a 
few rods West of Capt. James Bickford's. 

Voted that propositions should be made to Maj. Goo- 
kin and Mr. Eliot and to the Indians in referring to the 
exchange of Lands between Natick and Sherborn, as to 
give Fifty Pounds in current pay and as much l^and as a 
Committee of the General Court shall think meet. 

July 3L — Voted and agreed to by all of us from this 
time to improve the Liberty of a Town in a Civil Body 
that the honored ('ourt and Laws of our Country gives to 
us. At this meeting it was voted that Edward West, as 
Sergeant, should take the care of the Military in Sher- 
born. 

7 mo. — Voted If any of the Inhabitants shall neglect 
to attend Town meetings appointed and being warned of 
it, shall be under the penaltey of 3s. 4d. for every such 
offence, to be for Town use. 

'78 — 11 mo. — 1 day. — At a meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Sherburn 17 persons were j)resent. It was voted that 
five men be chosen as Selectmen, Daniel Morse, sen. 
George Fairbanks, Edwd. West, Thomas Eames, Obe- 
diali Morse chosen to keep the Records or as a Clark.. 
N. B. This was the first time the Town chose Select- 
men. Voted That the first second day of January should 
be from year to year held to be a public meetmg for the 
public affairs of Sherburne. 



}tI3T0RV OF SllERBURNE. 25 

167"9. — " For as much as for the further promulgation of the Gospel, 
Ihf t;ubdueii)g this part of the Earth among tlie rest given to the 
Sous of Adam, and the enhirgemcnt of the bounds of the habitations 
formerly designed by God for some of His people in this wilderness- 
It hath pleased the Lord to move and direct the much Honoured Gen. 
Court to grant a tract of land in the land adjoining to or near the place 
called Bogestow with the Farms there in laid as is judged a meet place 
for the erecting and settleing of a Town." 

" We the persons whose names are next under written, for the pre- 
vention of questions and mistakes, disorders and contentions that 
might otherwise arise, do order and determine and resolve as fol- 
loweth." 

1. " That all persons whatsoever, that shall receive lands by grant 
from the said Town now called Sherborne, shall become subject to all 
such Orders in every part and point of Town Government, as are at 
present, or hereafter by the authority of the said Town shall be made 
and appointed for the ordering, regulating, or governing thereof : Pro- 
vided they be not repugnant to the Orders, or any Orders of the 
general Court from time to time. And that every such Grantee shall 
for the firm engagement of himself and his successors, thereunto sub- 
scribe his name to our Town Book, or otherwise, his grant made to 
him shall be of none effect." 

2. " That if questions, differences, or contentions should fall out or 
arise in any manner or way in our Society, or betwixt any party therein* 
that they shall really endeavour, to resolve and issue the same in the 
most practicable way and manner, by Refference, Arbitration, or some 
other like means before it shall come to any place of publick Ju- 
dicature except it be in our own Town." 

3. " That we shall all of ua in the said Town faithfully endeavour 
that only such shall be receired to our society and Township as we 
may have sufficient satisfaction that they are honest, peaceable, and 
free from Scandal and erroneous opinions." 

4. " That none of the inhabitants aforesaid or our successors at any 
time hereafter for the space of seven years from the date hereof 
upon any pretence whatsoever without the consent of the Selectmen 
for the time being first had and obtained, shall alienate, Let, assign or 
set over for the space of sven whole years any part or parcel of Land 
formerly granted to him or them by the Town, except to some formerly 

4 



26 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

accepted of by our Society ; always provided that this shall in no sort 
prejudice or hinder any Heirs at common Law." (signed) 

Edward West, Daniel Gookin, EphrairaJ3ullen, Benjamin Bnllard, 
William Sheffield, Moses Adams, Jolm Holbrook, Joseph Morse, 
Benj. Twitchell, Jonathan Whitney Jr. Thomas Holbrook, Joseph 
Twitchell, Eleazer Wood, Jonathan Morse, Abraham Cusanes, 
Thomas Holbrook Jr. John Death, Walter Shephard, William Rider,, 
John Perry, Benoni Learned, Eleazer Fairbanks, Hopestill Lealand, 
Nathaniel Morse, Obediah Morse, Thomas Sawin, Wlliam Goddard^ 
Thomas Breck, Benjamin Whitney, Ebenezet Lealand, Nathaniel 
Johnson, John Coolidge. 

Mutilated Report of a Committee of the General Court, 
2d. " As to the farmes adjacent we conceive all those, in Medfield 
bounds that were granted by this Court and received nothing froiu 
Medfield, shall be accounted and liable to all charges and take up 
priviledges in Sherborn : those in Natick bounds, all the Petitioners 
Lauds shall be accounted Inhabitants in" Sherborn : and all other 
Farms that are nighest Sherborn Meetinghouse, shall be likewise in 
the bounds of Sherborn, and do duty and receive privelidges therein : 
but we doubt whether they be like^to be a Town, if some considerable 
tract of Land be not procured from the Indians, either by exchange 
or purchase or both. 

Your Honors humble Servants 

DANIEL FISHER, 
RICHARD ELLICE, 
THOMAS THURSTON. 
2—23 (77) 
The Court approves of this Returne provided always, that the tract 
of waste Lands, situate and lying indifterently accommodable for Sud>- 
bury and Marlborough as well as Sherborn and are now belonging to 
Thomas Danforth Esq. Dep. Governor, be excepted. 

A true Coppy Attest EDWARD RAWSON, Secretary. 

;15'79, — Articles of agreement between Daniel Morse, 
sen. Thomas Eames, Henry Lealand and Obediah Morse 
in behalf of the Town of Sherburne on the one part. 
Wabon, Pimbow, Thomas Tray, John Awonssamage sen. 
Peter Ephraim and Daniel [Takawombpait] on behalf of 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 27 

the Town of Natick on iho other })ait, coiicludecl a»d 
agreed upon this sixteenth day of April 1679. 

Whereas, It hatli pleased the general Court by their 
Order bearing date May 12th 1675 to give leave to the 
People of Sherborn to purchase by way of exchange, 
from the people of Natick, a quantity of Land belong- 
ing to Natick for their furtherance and promoting of Sher- 
borne Plantation. 

2. The people of Sherburne above named in behalf of 
the rest, do desire about four Thousand Acres as it is 
Plotted, described and bounded on the Northeast with 
Natick : on the Southeast, South West and West by 
Sherborn, on the West, and Northwest with a Farm be- 
longing to Mr. Danforth. 

3. In compensation for the same they agree to give by 
way of exchange the like quantity of Land be it 4000 
Acres more or less, lying and being adjoining to Maugun- 
coog Indian Hill, which Land was granted unto Sher- 
born by the general Court of the Massachusetts; moreover 
they do promise and covenant to pay unto the persons 
above named, their Heirs or Assigns, the full and just 
quantity of 200 bushels of Indian Grain to be paid one half 
in hand or at demand, and the other half the last of March 
next ensuing. Moreover, they are willing that Peter 
Ephraim do enjoy the Land he hath broken up within 
that Tract of Land they are to have of Natick, at a place 
called Brush Hill, and to add thereunto so much more as 
may make the Lot 12 Acres, with an equal }>foportion of . 
Meadow, to enjoy to him the said Peter Ephraim and his 
Heirs and Assigns forever; but to be under the government 
of the Township of Sherburne as the English Are. 

4th, Also we agree & consent that on the Lauds wc arc 



28 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

to have of Natick there be a Lot of Fifty Acres selt out 
where the Commissioners of the Colonies, Mnjor Gookin 
and Mr. Eliott, and Indian Rulers shall choose within 
that Tract of Land, to be appropriated forever to the use 
of a free School for teaching the English and Indian 
Children there the English Tongue & other Sciences. 

In witness whereof &.c. 
Witnessed by DANIEL GOOKIN, 
NATHL. GOOKIN, 
EDWD. WEST. 

Signed as above. 
Coppy attested by DANIEL GOOKIN, Senr. 
In answer to a motion in behalf of Sherborn Inhabi- 
tants this Court does ratify and allow of the exchange of 
Lands made as above said. 

Attest, EDWARD RAWSON, Secretary. 
At the same General Court held at Boston 2oth of May 
1679. 

We whose names are subscribed being appointed by the 
Genl. Court to consider the case referring to the petition 
of Sherborn about exchanging of Lands with the Indians 
and other things contained in that Petition in pursuant 
whereof & obedience whereunto being desired by Sher- 
born the I St. of the III. mo. 1677 when we expected 
major Gookin & Mr. Eleot with some Indians : but wait- 
ing some time only two Indians came with a paper from 
Mr. Eliot, by which we understood nothing was like to 
. be done. But taking notice of the order referring to the 
purchasing the Plantation. We find there is but little or 
no Country Land near the place where they intend to sett 
their Meetinghouse. 

'79. — At a meetting of the Inhabitants of Sherburne 



HISTORY OF fiHEUijUUNi:. ^9 

in icfcreiK'c to cx(:li;in;2;c of Land with Natick : for the 
jjajiiig- of 200 biiylicls of Corn to boot &c. 18 persons 
pruseiit. 

Daniel Morse for his Farm do engage 25 bushels of 
Indian Corn tliis year. Thomas Eamcs and that Corner 
of the Town 2.3 I)nsiiels. Henry Lealand 25 bushels, 
otluMs assisting him — and in case the other quarter cannot 
be defrayed, then (Jbediah Morse do eniraiic for the other 
ijiiarter upon tiie desire and promise others to bcji^ him 
out in either Corn in wheat or money; to be ])aid ^^■hcat 
at 5s. ])er bushel money at reasonable abatement." 
Ensign Bullen and Henry Lealand arc chosen a Com- 
mittee with the Selectmen to grant home Lots to those that 
are come amongst us. 

Sherburne granteth to such as shall make a sawrnill on 
a Brook about half a mile on this side the corner rock 
that was Natick bounds, the sum of 50 Acres of upland 
adjoining to that brook, and 3 or 4 Acres of Meadow if it 
may be found upon that Brook as may be convenient — also 
10 acres of Swamp, the Cedar timber excepted. This 
Sawmill to be built by the end of 12 months, and be con- 
tinued three years, or as the Selectmen then in being and 
the owners shall agree. So the Land to be settled to t!ie 
owners. 

'79 — 9mo. 29 — Thomas Sawin is accepted as one of 
the new Inhabitants at Chestnut Brook to take up a first 
Lot as may be convenient for building a Sawmill on it. 
This is where Mr. Galim Bullard now lives. The mill 
stood a few rods below where Mr. Isaac Cozens's now 
stands. Some of the timber, placed there by Sawin, yet 
remains in the brook. 

I here take the liberty to correct an error, in the His- 



30 IIISTOIIY OF SHEUCLIUNK. 

torjof Natick. Tiiis Thomas Sawin jjurchasud a tract 
of land at Natick, and the mill seats on the brook, which 
bears his name, and built the first corn mill there, in 1686. 
He, or his son John built a saw mill on Charles river, 
which was the second in that town, and which was after- 
wards moved up to the brook. 

1679. — Ensign Saml. Bullcn & George Fairbanks re- 
fusirg to take the oath of Tytheingmen, the Selectmen 
in ol^^dience to the Law do choose Thomas Ilolbrook to 
have inspection over those families at the widow Leland, 
Hopestill Lelands &:c. 10 Families. And Joseph Morst 
as tjtheingman to inspect over Eleazer Fairbanks and 5 
other Families. N. B. — No Officers of that discription 
have taken the Oaths of Office in this Town for many 
years past ! 

1630. — June 2d — At a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Sherburne to attend the consultation of the honord Com- 
mittee, Major Savage Mr. v/ith the other Gent, of that 

Committee — did then agree before them and engage to 
lay down of their lands for needftd highways for the use 
of the Town, and to choose a Committee to lay them out. 

October 12th. — Reckoned with Thomas Sawin for his 
work about the Meetinghouse For framing the Meeting- 
house and provideing Boards, Shingles and Clapboards, 
and making Windows and Doors according to bargain 
about the Meetinghouse. - - £. 50 . . 

For Boards and his work laying the Floor of do. 3 . . 

Daniel Morse, sen. John Hill, Benj. Bullard, John 
Death with the Selectmen are chosen to seat the Mect- 
\u9: when seats are made. 

O 

1681. — July 4th — George Fairbanks proposed to re- 
sign up to the Town all his rights and Interests in 



HISTORY OF SJIERBIRNT.. 31 

Slicrboni with alibis Ibniier charges from tiic fust po- 
titioniii^; provided they would free him from Sherburne. 

1681. — 8 mo. 27 — Voted by the Inhabitants that there 
shall be a division of so much of our common Land as is 
Judged meet ft^r a dividend by Daniel P'.Iorse, Thomas 
Holbrook, Jonathan Whitney, John Death and Jose{)h 
Morse, If our honored Coaitnittec approve of it. Also 
a Committee was chost^n to acquaint the Iionored Com- 
mittee v/ith the state of the Town as to the accommoda- 
tion of the new Inhabitants, and intreat tiieir power ar.d 
advice which way this Dividend shall be laid out. Also 
the Committee to obtain a Sm*vey to lay out this Land. 
Each man shall choose his Lot : and if 2, S, 4 or more 
shall pitch upon one place, then they to draw Lots who 
shall have that Lot. Each Man that shall take up Land 
shall pay the charges of the laying out his Lot. W any 
Man do mislike his Lol : then he to choose his Lot out 
of any part of any of the Towns upland without circum- 
ference. 

Boston, Nov. 3c], 1681. 

Having perused and considered the first vote a])ovc 
written concerning a division of common Land in Sher- 
borne. We the Committee for that Town do aj)prove and 
confirm the same, And for the way therof We advise that 
it be first divided into 4 parts, to lye to each quarter of 
the Town according as they shall find it most convenient 
as to vicinity, respect being had to the quality of the land, 
that there may be an equality in each quarter as much as 
may be ; Then each quarter or squadron of the Tow'n to 
divide their part amongst themselves by lot. We further 
order, that before any division be made of upland, such 
new Inhabitants as have not had proportionable meadon 



fjo 



ITlSTOnV OF SIlF.RniRNr:. 



alroad}' allowed llunn, sha!! iuive due sliaics allotcd and 
laid or.t to them. And according to a former vote of the 
Town, we adjudge the new Inhabitants to })ay l\\ o sliii- 
lings ]}er Acre upon their liome lots towards public 
charge?, and then for future to be etp'.alJy rated u ith the 
rest. 

(Signed) Thomas Savage, John Richards, William 
Stonghton. 

1682. — Granted to Jolui Awasamug 20 acres of Land 
to clear all Indian Titles that concern the Land ex- 
changed between Natick & Sherburne. 

A list of persons admitted to be Inhabitants of Sher- 

born since its incorporation with the dates of admission. 

Ensij?;!) Samuel Bnlleu 
Edward West 
fos. Morse 
folm Perry 
William Allen 

Thomas Eames Jan. 4 1674 

.Tnhn Death 11 mo. 1 IGTT 

Thomas Gleason, 8 mo. 5 1G78 
llopestiU Lealaiid 11—1 1G7S 
Kbenezer Lealand " " IGTS 
.Joseph Twitchell " " 1678 
I'^omas Pralt sen. 2 mo. 1679 
William Shefiield May 1679 

1684. — Decern. 8 — Voted by the Inhabitants of Sher- 
l)urn being assembled that the difference that is now be- 
tween John Hill, J. Eames ^ John Death for catching: 
Wolves it shall be referred to the Hond. Deputy Gover- 
nor and Major Gookin to issue the Cause between them. 

1694. — June 4 — Edward West wast chose School- 
master for Sherburn. 

1693. — Feb. 3d — At a meeting of the Inhabitants of 
Sherburne for to consider and conclude of a inlardgment 
of our Town bounds by our of some of Natick. 



Zacry Paddleford 2 mo. 1679 

John Eamcs " " 1679 

Isaac Learned " " 1679 

Thomas Pratt Jr. " " 167Sf 

Thomas Sawin 9 mo. 29 1679 



Jonathan AVhitney " 
Will. Goddard " 
Bononi Learned " 
Will. Rider " 



1679 
1679 
1679 
1679 



HISTORY OF* SHERCURNi:. 33 

hind thai joins to the farm of Henry Kice to make one 
ToWnsliip. 

It was concluded by the Inhabitants met this day that 
We shall go on to lay that tract of land that is taken in 
platt with a inlargemcnt to the farm of Henry Rice, and 
t hose Farmers that are willing to join in our Township 
according as offers have been made to themselves as also 
to procure a surveyor to run a straight line from the south 
Corner of Henry Rice's Farm to the Cartway crossing 
Cochituate Brook near where Course Brook meets with 
Cochituate Brook the charges of the whole to be borne by 
the Town of Sherburne. The Selectmen are chosen a 
Committee to see this work carried on for the benefit of 
the Town. 

1 700 — June 25 — The town of Framingham was incor- 
porated and seventeen Families belonging to Sherborn 
were annexed to that town. A copy of the Grant of Fra- 
mingham is preserved in a queer pamphlet, recently pub- 
lished, purporting to be a history of that town. This Pam- 
phlet mentions " a controversy between Sherborn and the 
new town, respecting certain rights and privileges, which, 
without legal proscess, was at last settled to the mutual 
satisfaction of the parties." 

1705 — 6 — Jan. 8th. — Then was granted by the In- 
habitants 20£, money for the repairing and better fin- 
ishinjr our Meetinehouse. The Committee chosen are 
Sergt. Sawin, Lt. Morse, Deacon Benoni Learned, 
Corpl. Isaac Learned and Richard Sanger. 

1707._May 28th— It was Ordered, That whosoever 
shall take bring or convey any Cattle from other towns 
to feed on the Commons in Shcrburn, and such Cattle be- 
ing taken up ; the Person or persons who conveyed the 



34 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

said Cattle into Town, or the owner of tlie Cattle, shall 
pay a fine of 5 shillings per head, the one moietv to the 
person who took up said Cattle and the other moiety to 
the use of the Town. 

These orders were allowed of by the Court of quarter 
Sessions at Concord, June 17th 1707, till further order. 

1708. — At a me(;ting of the Selectmen. Then was 
chosen and appointed widdow Mary West to take the care 
of and keep the Pound in said Town. 

1708-9. —March 7th — At a Town meeting ^c. It was 
then manifested to the town what had been offered to the 
Hon. General Court by our Representative Saml. Bullard 
concerning the seventeen Families on the north part of 
the Town : with the acceptance and Concurance of the 
Court therewith ; and was consented to by a general 
vote. 

N. B. In consequence of the loss of the Sevente&R! 
Families which were incorporated with the Town of 
Framingham, the General Court granted 4000 Acres of 
Land lying westward of Mendon as an equivalent. These 
Lands were called " Sherburn New Grant." 

1709. — Dec. 5th— Voted that the Selectmen should 
agree with a Man or Men to keep School in three parts 
of the Town viz. Plain, Southend ^ Dirtymeadow^ 
three months ; and granted Eight pounds for its support. 

1715. — June 17th — At a meeting &c. To state a 
Rule whereby the 4000 acres of Land late granted and 
conjfirmed to the said Town by the General Court in lieu 
of the 17 Families sett off to Framingham, may be or- 
derly and regularly divided to and among the said free- 
cholders ^ Inhabitants, and choose a Committee ^^c. 
Voted, That the Invoice of Polls and ratable Estate 



HISTOTlt OF SHERnURNE. 35^ 

taken in August 1714, sliall be the Rule whereby the said 
4000 Acres of Land shall be proportioned to and among 
the present Inhabitants of the said Town being Freehold- 
ers and such other Inhabitants that haye lived upon hire 
in the Town for some years past. 

The abovementioned New Grant was divided amongst' 
105 Persons " being Freeholders and such other Inhabi- 
tants that have lived upon hire" ^c. 17 of whom were 
of the name of Morse. December 29th 1721, the pro- 
prietors granted to Ephraim Hill and his heirs forever, 20 
acres of Land in the said 4000 acres, in consideration of 
his being the first settled Inhabitant there. 

Two further grants of Land 6700 acres were obtained 
of the General Court by purchase. In 1730, these 
Lands were divided among tlie Inhabitants of said Town 
in the same manner as the other Grant had been. They 
are described as being situated " at a place called New- 
Sherburne lying westward of Uxbridge." These lands 
retained this name, till they were incorporated, as a town- 
ship, A. D. 1746. 

1718. — Sept. 26 — A Committee was chosen to inspect 
the timber at Badluck Swamp, within the late grant of 
3000 acres of land, made' by the general court to the town, 
and to impower them to prosecute any person, or persons, 
that shall presume to cut, make strip or pillage of any 
wood or timber upon said premises. 

1720--1. — Feb. 20 — A commitee viz. 3 from the west 
and 3 from the east part of the town, were chosen to con- 
sult together and report at the next meeting, respecting 
the building of a new meetinghouse near dirty meadow 
bridge, and to diliberate and make report of what they 
may think may be for the best for the town to act upon 



36 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

in the premises ; and to propose any metliod, that may he 
likely to conduce to tlie peace and well being of the town 
refering to the concern of the meetinghouse, &:c. 

March 20. The report of the above committee was 
not accepted. It was then voted to run a direct line from 
Framingham corner to Dopping brook, and then the brook 
to be the bound till it come into Bogestow brook, and 
then that to be the bound till it come to Med way line. 

1721—2. — Feb. 5. Voted by a majority that mopcy 
be raised by way of rate, (sufficient with the old meet- 
inghouse) to build a new meetinghouse within and upon 
that spot of land that the town formerly set apart for that 
purpose, near or upon the place the old meetinghouse is 
now standing. 

1722. — Nov. 12. It being moved to reconsider and 
nullifie the above vote, the motion was negatived by a 
considerable majority. 

1722-3. — March 6. The qaalified voters met at the 
meetinghouse, and immediately adjourned to meet at "the 
platt seventy or six score Rods Easterly from Dirty mead- 
ow Bridge, or Thereabouts," when and where it was 
voted unanimously by all present, " that a meetinghouse 
be built for the town to worship God in, on Lord's Days 
upon a certain hill by the road side, where was laid a 
heap of stones to know the place by, ^c. and made null 
and void and of no effect the former vote of the town 
above, and bearing date Feb. 5th, 1721—2, so that the 
town remain together for the strengthening thereof." 

1723.— Nov. 18th. The inabitants " voted to nullifie 
and make void the above vote of March 6, in considera- 
tion that the Form and Situation of the Town is so ill 
Convenient, that one Meeting house Cannot be so placed 



IHSTORV OK SlIKnciKrHE. 37 

MS to Suit llio Whole town, but tliat in time there will be 
need of \\\o to necommodate the Inhabitants.'* Also 
voted to build on or near the spot where the old meeting 
house is standing a new one, "ye Demensions to be about 
I'ourty foot in length, about thirty two foot in bredth and 
about twenty foot post." Also voted " that the sum of 
one himdrtul and sixty pounds be Levied on ye Inhabi- 
tants by way of Rate upon Polls k. Estates to be Em- 
proved towards the defreying the Charge of the said 
Building." A committee of five was chosen to carry the 
above vote into effect. 

*' At said Meeting after Sundry votes had passed, re- 
lating to the building, or rebuilding of ye publick Meet- 
ing house in Sherborn, Sic. The following motion was 
made by Sundry of ye Principle Inhabitants of ye said 
town, Who are DwelUns on ye West side of Dopping 
Brook, in behalfe of themselves and others, on ye west 
side of the town of Sherborn, now Convened, The re- 
quest of us the Subscribers in behalf of Our Selves and 
the Other Western Inhabitants of ye town on the West 
Side of Dopping Brook ; Do desire that the following ar- 
ticles may be put to vote, viz. Whether they will not be 
free to Grant us ye Liberty of Having that part of yo 
Sheffield's Farm Lying on ye East Side of Boggestow 
Brook and Edmond Morses Land and possessions on ye 
East side of Dopping brook aforesaid over and above ye 
Dividing line projected between the Eastern and West- 
ern parts of the town from Colonel Buck ministers Cor- 
ner, ^c. Then We will do all publick Duty to the town 
as heretofore 'till the Genii. Court Shall Set us off Ex- 
cept in yc Cost of Building or rebuilding the meeting 



38 HISTORY Ol" SHERBURNE. 

lionsc, as it has boon this day voted. And if so We'll 
ask for a Dividing line no further Eastward." 

Jonathan Wliitney John Goulding 

Timothy Lealand Joshua Underwood 

Aaron Morse Thomas Jones 

Moses Adams jr. Isaac Adams 

Joseph Johnson John Twitchell 

Ebenezer Pratt John Larnit. 
Gershom Eames 

On the above the following vote is recorded. " The 
town by their vote do save to the said Western Inhabi- 
tants over Doppin Brook whensoever they are sett off, 
their proportion in ye £160 this day granted towards ye 
Building ye publick Meeting House where it now stands.'' 
The remainder of the above motion passed in the affirma- 
tive, '•■ for the sake of future peace and good Neigh- 
bourhood." 

1724. — Dec. 3 — " The Dwellers on the west side of 
Dopping brook, Sic." were incorporated, as a town, by 
the name of Holliston. For an account of this town, since 
its incorporation, see Rev. Charles Fitch's Century Sermon 
delivered Dec. 4, 182G. 

1725. — Sept. 13. " One hundred and fourty pounds 
was granted to Defray ye Cost & Charge of Building ^ 
finishing the Meetinghouse in Sherborn." 

Dec. 6th. Voted that " the room round the sides of 
the meetinghouse below (except the alley room) be Em- 
proved for the building of Pues, and that Such persons 
unto Wliome the Town Should See reason to grant 
the liberty of the room for pues, Should do it at their own 
Cost." This grant was on condition that if any one, 
who had built a pew, should remove with his family to 



HISTORY OF SHKRBURNE. 



31} 



dwoll out of town, tho room should revert to the town ; 
and if miy to whom this liberty v»';is granted should neg- 
loet to build a pew, within one jear, then the place 
granted lor that purpose should revert to tlie town. 

1726. — Sept. 26. Leave was granted to all jjcrsons 
in ye said town that arc disposed to build stables or 
Houses for their conveniencies on Lords Day, to build on 
ye sides of ye Meetinghouse C'ommonj so as not to Dis- 
commode the Same. 

1726--7 — Jan. 27— Voted that what persons payed in 
ye last Meetinghouse rale be a rule to seat ye meeting 
house by allowing but one head to an Estate ijaving respect 
to old age; that the third seat below and ye fere front be 
equal in dignity and ye fourth seat below and ye stn-ond 
front be equal in dignity. Deacon Hopestill Lealand, 
Deacon Bcnoni Lerned and William Clreenwood ch.osen 
a committee to seatthe meetingiionse. 

1727. — Dec. 29. A vote passed to build a schoolhouse 
18 feet wide and 20 feet long, and to set it on Meetting- 
house Common on the South easterly side of the Meeting 
house. 

1728— April 16— A committee was chosen to sell ye 
school land in the town towards defraying the Charge of 
building and finishing the school house. 

1 723-9.— Jan. 6. The school lands were sold to 
Obediah Morse and Deacon Bcjioni Learned, the former 
paying forty and the latter ten pounds. 

1731. — Dec. o. Voted and granted that ten shillings 
be assessed in the next town rate to repair the old, or 
bnild new stocks. 

1733. — Dec. 7th. Granted to Capt. Death the sum 
of ten shillings which is now in his handr to pay the 



40 HISTORY OF SHr.RurilNF:. 

Caust he was out for Entorlniz: a petition at the Ginni- 
ral Court on tho towns hrhalf relateinii to th(;ir heinsT 
Dooind for Not sending a representatives 

Granted to Mrs. Rebecca Baker the sum of titret' 
pounds to make up a Deficiency in the kite reverd. Mr. 
Bakers salary. 

1738.— May 18. Several other grants were made to 
indi\ idnals, " to he paid out of the fine the Genlk Court 
sent hack to tlie town." 

1737.— -May 18. Several etiier grants made to indi- 
viduals to he paid out " of the fine the Genii. Court re- 
lumed to the town." 

1751.— Sept. 10. Then the town granted G shillings 
to j)urchase a hook for the town's use to record births and 
deaths hi. 

1752.— May 19. Isaac Coolege^ Esq. was Chosen 
to serve for and re})resent the town of Sherhnrne in a 
Great and General Court or Assembly ap])ointed to be 
Convened held and kept for his Majesty's service at Con- 
cord, upon the twenty Seventh day of may 17 52, and so 
De die in diem during their session and sessions. 

1758.— -March G. Granted thirteen pound six shillings 
and Eight pence to Keerutet he town stock of Ammu- 
nition. Granted to Elisha Kendal for ye Locks to Lock up 
the amunkion eight pcnse. Granted to the Selectmen that 
Ware at Expence in Geting of a fine for the towns not 
sending a Representative at the Last year 13s» 4d. 

1754.— This year is particularly remarkable, for the 
prevalence of an uncommon disoiiler, which prevailed in 
this town and llolliston, denominated in the latter place, 
the Great Sickness, and, in Sherburne, the Memorable 
MortaUty. The number of deaths recorded in January 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 41 

is 12 ; February, 6 ; Marcli 2 ; April 5. During the next 
six months no deaths arc recorded. November 3, Dec. 
.5. For a particular description of the " symptoms, which 
peculiarly marked the; disease," the reader is referred to 
the " Century Sermon, delivered in Holliston, by Rev. 
Charles Fitch, December 4, 1826." 

The whole number who died of this fatal malady 
in Holliston, was 53; in Sherburne, between 20 and 
30. This visitation upon Holliston has been considered 
by some, as a special judgment of Providence upon the 
inhabitants, for the litigious spirit, which was then preva- 
lent among them, which fled before the pestilence, and 
which, since that time, has seldom made its appearance. 
What was the crying sin in Sherburne, that brought a 
similar visitation on the people of that place, I have nev- 
er heard conjectured. 

1767. — Oct. 17. Granted to be assessed on Polls and 
Estates to pay ye fine and Cost of a Presentment for not 
Having a Gramer School in said Town Nine Pounds. 

1768. — Granted to Esqr. Perry 6s. & to Jos. Twitch- 
cll 18s. for the cost and charge they ware at in Giting a 
fine granted by sessions to the town to be spent in a 
Gramer School. 

1768. — Feb. 15. Gave order to the Treasurer to pay 
Mr. Thomas Prentice, ye School Master and the several 
Persons that Borded him at the Several Parts of the 
Town their Proportion of Eighteen Pounds — the School- 
master to Have after the Rate of twenty six Pound 
thirteen shillings and four pence a year, and those that 
Borded him four shillings per week. 

1769. —May 22. Voted to put in twenty feet in the 

length of the Meeting house, and that the Peace be put 
6 



4^ HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

in the tniddle. Granted one hundred pounds for this pur- 
pose : Chose a committee of five to See How thej would 
Git it Done. 

1770, — Jan. Joseph Bacon was engaged to enlarge 
the meeting house, and £150 lawful money granted to 
him, as a full compensation. J'his was done by sawing 
the house in two in the middle, moving the western half 
to the distance desired, and connecting the two parts to- 
gether by a new piece. 

1774. — May 19. The following men were chosen 
a committee of correspondence , l\ev. Samuel Locke, 
Capt. Richard Sanger, Capt. Joseph Tvvitchell, Mr. 
Samuel Bullard, Mr. Daniel Whitney, Mr. Benjamin Fas- 
set and Mr. Jedediah Phipps. This Mr. Pliipps was 
employed by the provincial government, at the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary war, to manufacture 

" Villainous salt petre 

Which many a good tall Briton hath laid low." 

July 8th. — The Selectmen and commissioned officers 
examined and tried the Town's stock of Ammunition and 
there is 200 lbs. of Powder, 150 lbs. of Bullets and 295 
flints. One cask of powder bought A. D. 1702, one do. 
1722, one do. without date, two do. 1774. Lead 20O 
lbs. bought, Sept. 1774. 

August 24. — Chose Capt. Richard Sanger, Mr. Samu- 
el Bullard and Mr. Benjamin Fasset to iiieet committees 
of the several towns in this county, on the 30th instant. 

iSeptr. 20. — Mr. Samuel Bullard and Mr. Jonathan 
Lealand were chosen a committee to send to Concord — • 
Voted to git a six pound field piece, or cannon, and chose 
Joshua Lealand, Daniel Whitney and Benjamin Bullard to 
procure it. Granted £18 to procure said piece and ne- 
cessaries. 



HISTORY OF SHERBUpE. 43 

Oct. 18. — Voted to accept the three pieces of cannon, 
whicli the committee procured instead of a six poundpr, 
that the committee prove them at the town's expence, 
and fire the biggest, as soon as may be, with all the' ne- 
cessaries that ma} be needed. 

1775. — Jan. 9. Chose Mr. Benjamin Fasset and 
Capt. Richard Sanger to represent the town in Congress 
at Cambridge, on the 1st day of Feb. next. Voted l,a 
consent to the Resolves of the Continental ^nd Provifi- 

cial Congresses to give a bounty to encourage the 

raising of sheep and flax— that the Constables pay the 
Province money to Henry Gardner, Esq. of Stow — to 
choose a committee of Inspection, to see that the He- 
solves of the Congress be complied with. 

Feb. 6 — Chose a Committee of five to receive dona' 
tions and subscriptions for the poor people of Boston. 

March 6. — Voted that those that have and shi|ll inlist 
as minute men, to the number of fifty three be a company 
intire by themselves — to grant eight pound to provide 
ammunition for the cannon — that the cannon be under 
the care and direction of the militia ofticers of this town; 
that the cannon be shot three times with powder and ball 
at the cost of the town. 

May 24 — Chose Daniel Whitney Esq. to represent 
the town in Congress at VVatertown, to be held on STist 
instant. 

Oct 2d» — Granted £30 for the support of the popr of 
Boston. 

1776. — March 5. Voted to choose a committee pf fiye 
to procure places for the poor of Boston to live in. 

May 21. — Voted, that if the Hon. Continental Con- 
gress should in the.ir wisdom declare the Colonies ifl' 



44 HISTORY OF siip:ri]ijrne. 

dependent of great Britain, vvc, x\^e inhabitants of the 
town of Sherburne will, with our lives and fortunes, en- 
deavour to support them in that measure; and we do here- 
by instruct Mr. Daniel Whitney, now Chosen our rep- 
resentative for the year ensuing to act in conformity to 
the above said vote. 

July 5. — Voted to give £7 per man, in addition to the 
bounty that is given by the colony, to twenty one men 
that shall inlist to go to Canada. 

August 26. — The last vote was reconsidered. Voted 
that the Selectmen procure a hospital for inoculating for 
Small-pox, if they can get liberty from the court. 

1776. — Nov. 28. Voted that the present General 
Court of this State should form such a Constitution and 
form of Government, as they jndge will most conduce to 
the happiness, peace and safety of the Inhabitants there- 
of, and that the same be made publick for the inspection 
and approbation of the Inhabitants of this State, before 
the ratification thereof. 

The votes of the Inhabitants of this town, during the 
whole of the revolutionary struggle, prove that they were 
animated, to a high degree with that spirit, which achiev- 
ed our independence. These votes are too numerous to 
be published in a pamphlet of this kind, and there is in 
them so much sameness, as to render them to most read- 
ers uninteresting and tiresome. They relate to hiring 
men for the army ; granting money to pay them, and 
maintain their families in their absence ; procuring arms, 
ammunition, clothing and provisions for those in service, 
and for promoting all the great and good objects, which 
presented themselves in those times of perilous magna- 
nimity. 



HISTORY OF SIIEUCURNE. 45 

As soon as the news ronchod them of tlic m.issacrc at 
Lexington, on the 19th of April 1775, the minute nieii 
])roveci themselves worthy of their title, by marching im- 
mediately to meet the assailants, and the rest of the able 
bodied men, of all ages, followed with all possible alacri- 
ty, lint the distance was so great and the route of the 
enemy so uncc^rtain, that they had not the satisfaction of 
meeting and helping to chastise them. They, however, 
furnished their ouota to assist in the besie2;ino; of Boston ; 
ano a number of them dis])layed their heroism, in the bat- 
thj of Bunker hill. Four of these are living, viz. Capt 
Benjamin Bullard, now of Hopkinton, John Ware, now 
of Deerfield, Deacon William Clarke and Mr. Barak 
Lcland, still residing in Sherburne. 

How many were engaged in actital service, in the va- 
rious campaigns, during this arduous and successful con- 
test, and who they all were, 1 am not able to ascertain. 
Two of them are worthy to be particularly mentioned 
with honour and commiseration. Jonathan Holbrook and 
Joseph Ware were wounded at the battle of White 
Plains. The same cannon ball deprived the former of 
his right arm, and the latter of his left. Holbrook sur- 
vived but a short time, and was buried near the scene of 
action. Ware returned home ; has been a very useful 
citizen, as a teacher of youth, surveyor, town oflicer and 
magistrate ; and is now living, at the age of 80 years. 

1786.— This year was remarkable on account of an in- 
surrection, in the western counties of Massachusetts, in 
oppositon to the government of the Commonwealth; com- 
monly called " Shays's rebellion." On this occasion tlie 
inhabitants of Sherburne proved themselves to be firm 
ixieuds of libei.tj and order, by readily furnishing their pro- 



46 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

poitioa of officers and privates, to join the troops under 
the command of General Lincohi, who marched on a 
winter campaign, and speedily gained an ahiiost bloodless 
Victory. 

Mr. John Ware acted as adjutant in this expedition. 
Being sent with orders to a distance from Lincoln's 
army, he stopped for refreshment, at a tavern in, or near 
Brookiield, where there happened to be a small party of 
insurgents, who took him prisoner and confined him in an 
upper room of the house, while they kept guard below. 
In the course of the day, Ware saw from his prison a 
company of cavalry approaching, which he soon recognized 
as being on the side of government. He hailed them 
flom a window of his apartment and made them acquainted 
with hii> ^ituation. The house was inunediately surround- 
ed, the Shay sites surrendered at discrestion, and W. was 
enabled to accouipIis>h the object of his mission. 

1787. — Dec. 10. Daniel Whitney, Esq. was chosen 
a delegate to represent the town in the convention, to be 
iholden in Boston, on the 2d Wednesday of January next, 
for the purpose of approving, or disaj)proving the Consti- 
tution, or Frame of Government for the United States of 
America. Voted, to give the delegate instructions, which 
conclude thus. 

"But, sir, we mean not to give you positive instruc- 
tions, relative to your voting for or against the reported 
Constitution. When assembled, you will have the collect- 
:ed wisdom of the State before you ; will hear all that can 
•be said on the subject, and conse(|uently be able to form 
a judicious opinion. And, having the fullest confidence 
in your political wisdom, integrity and patrotism, we cheer- 
fully, on onr part, submit the all important question to* 



HISTORY OF SIIERBURNi:. 47 

your decision. And we beseech the Allwisc Governor of 
the world to take the Com cntion under his holy influence, 
that so tlie result may be the best good of the people of 
the Uiited States of America." 

This tndy honorable member was one of the majority, 
who voted in favour of this invaluable instrument. 

1793.— Pec. 2d. A vote was asked whether the town 
will accept of the bell, on the terms proposed hy the sub- 
scribers, viz. That the town shall hang- the said bell 
handsomely, and cause it to be vu'ig, as usual in towns; 
then said bell to remain for the use of the town, so long 
as then" sh;ill 'emain a religious society. Passed in tlie 

aftiri.iativ e. 

1797.— Nov. G. Voted to mike .ip the wages of the 

militia, thai; shall be detached from this town, according 

to a resolve of Coiigre.-s, ten dollars a month, provided 

they march, and also one dollar bounty, whether they 

march or not, for non-commissioned officers and privates. 

Also to give them two dollars more bounty, if they march 

out of the Commonwealth. 

1807.— Voted to give the officers and soldiers, that arc 
or may be detached, as onr proportion of one hundred 
thousand militia, ordered by the President of the United 
States, to be detached and held in readiness to mai?ch at 
a moment's warning, at the rate of twelve dollars per 
month, including the pay allowed them by the U. S. pro- 
vided they are called into actual service. 

1808. — Dec. 11. Voted to allow and pay to the of- 
ficers and soldiers, that were detached, in the course of 
the present month, as our pro})ortion of one hundred 
thousand militia, &c. such sums, as shall, together witlt 
the pay allowed them by the U. States, be equal to twelve 



48 IIISTOKY OK SHERCl RNF.. 

dollars per month, during the time lliev shnl! he in actu- 
al service. 

1814.-— Voted to allow arid pay to the soldiers that are 
or may be detached from tliis town, previous to the lirst 
Monday of March next, to serve in the arjnies of the U. 
S. such sums as shall, together with the pay allowed them 
by the State and General government, be equal to 3 15 
per month, during the time they shall be in actual service. 
Also voted to pay the commissioned and non-commission- 
ed officers, the same sum granted to the soldiers, in ad- 
dition to the pay allowed them by the State and General 
government. 

1820.— Hon. Calvin Sanger was chosen a delegate to 
meet in convention for the purpose of revising the Con- 
stitution of this Commonwealth. 

N. B. The compiler has been much more particular 
in making coj)ious extracts from the ancient records, 
which are now scarcely legible, and ere long must be 
wholly obliterated, than from those of more modern date, 
which bid fair to last fer centuries, and to enable some 
historian, yet unborn, to glean from them such facts, as 
shall be interestmg, when they shall have become an- 
cient. 

EcLESiASTicAL 11 iSTORY. — There are no Church Rec- 
ords found, separate from those of the town, previous to 
the settlement of Rev. Mr. Porter, their third minister. 
These commence October 27, 1734. At what time a 
church was formed here does not appear in any document, 
which I have examined. Some have supposed, on per- 
using the. town records, that the church and congrega- 
tion formerly voted in convention, in ministerial matters. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 49 

However this may have been, the church members seem 
not to have considered themselves as " chosen out of the 
world/' as the primitive disciples were, but acknowledged 
themselves to be a jjart of the world ; and did not con- 
fine the congregation merely to hearing, believing and 
paying the pastor ; l)ut permitted all, who contributed to 
his support, to have a voice in his election. I have ex- 
tracted most of the votes, relative to the settlement and 
maintenance of the several ministers, which have come 
into my possession, and here present them to the reader 
in chronological order. 

1677— 8th. Month 2Gth day. Then was consultation 
and consideration in way of preparation for a Minister ^c. 

Voted to raise thirty pounds per year by the present 
Inhabitants, one third part to be paid in money, and two 
thirds to be paid in current country pay as may be raised 
by us. N. B. Only 15 persons were present at the meet- 
ing when the above vote passed. 

1779.— 13th. mo. In reference to the settleing a 
Minister; Voted, that we shall pay to the Maintainance 
of the Minister £40 per year by the Inhabitants ; £20 
in money ^ £20 in good country pay as is most suitable 
to the Minister and to build a suitable house. 

Voted, that Daniel Morse, sen. Thomas Eames, Henry 
Lealand, and Edward West be chosen as a committee to 
act as the town for the settleing the Minister amongst 
us, Mr. Gooking or some other Minister as God shall 
direct. 

Voted, to Ewd. West that in case he do stay in Sher- 
burn one year from the date hereof then' he shall have 
that land and meadow formerly granted to him by the 
Town, in the same state as the Petitioners land is ; if 



50 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

the Town have not a Minister settled. If there he a 
Minister settled, then to be in the same state ^nd con- 
dition with other Inhabitants. 

• July 18th.— At a meeting ^c. to choose a Committee 
to treat with Mr. Nathaniel Cookings to settle amongst 
us. Then was chosen this Committee, Daniel Morse, 
sen. George Fairbanks, Thomas Eames, Ensign Bullen, 
to act representing the Town to engage k settle a Mhi- 
ister amongst us. 

7 mo. 18th.— Voted, That this Committee Capt. Pren- 
tice, Deacon John Stone, & Mr. William Bond which are 
chosen by the Councell 12th present month to act accord- 
ing to the Law published since the last session, in 19th 
this present month this Committee conserning the place- 
they have determined for the settled place for the Meeting 
house. For their satisfaction desiring should be voted by 
the Inhabitants of the town, the place voted was and 
thereby determined on a hill. Mr. the Committee and 
the Inhabitants made a second stand to look about on that 
account near Edwards Plain. 

8 mo. 29.— Then was chosen four Men to be under- 
takers for ourselves in building a suitable House for a 
Minister, viz. Edward West, Thomas Eames, Joseph 
Morse ^ John Hill, these 4 to call others to assist in that 
work as they shall see meet, and as Men are capable to 
help. Also, that all shall bear equal charges on their 
house Lots according to their proportion of Acres. 

And concerning the Ministers House that is to be built 
it is voted and concluded that it shall be built according 
as is agreed with the 4 Men chosen as undertakers to see 
it done. The length 38 feet the breadth 20 feet. 

It was also concluded that the undertakers shall see 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 5f 

that this House be covered and inclosed by the last of 
May next ; and that tliis House be thoroughly finished by 
the last of September next. 

Also, that the place concluded upon by the Committee 
for the Meetinghouse near Edwards plain be reserved for 
the accommodation thereof to the quantity of 20 rods 
square as may suit. 

1680. — 9th mo. 15. The Committee that formerly 
was chosen and impovvered to act as the town for the 
settling Mr. Gookin or some other Minister as God should 
direct, making their return to the town that except the 
Inhabitants do agree to what was done by that Com- 
mittee in '79, 7 mo. they see no likelyhood of obtaining 
Mr. Daniel Gookin to settle among us. 

Voted, that John Hill, Thomas Holbrook ^ George 
Fairbanks is desired to assist a Committee to settle a gos- 
pel Orthodox Minister on the place obtained for a Min- 
ister according to what is voted by the town for Minis- 
ters maintenance fee. Edward West chosen Town 
Clerk. 

1681. — Voted, that Daniel Morse, senr. Joseph Morse 
and Edward West are chosen to treat with Mr. Cusheoii 
or some other Minister to settle in Sherburne. And 
Thomas Holbrook was chosen to go to speak to Mr. 
Cusheon for an answer from him in reference to his set- 
tleing in Sherburne. 

1681. — April 29. Whereas we the Inhabitants of Sherborn having 
formerly applied ourselves to the Rev. Daniel Gookin to be our set- 
tled Minister of Sherborn, he was pleased to give us his mind and 
word and writing to be willing to come amongst us, provided that we 
could agree to have the Meetinghouse on that place appointed by Capt. 
Prentice, but some not willing for it, did put us upon further trouble 
and the impeding that work amongst us wherefore having a meeting 



52 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

of the Inhabitants & proposals being made if would adhere to the 
settling a Minister on that place commonly amongst us called the Lot 
place, we, being desireous of not only the settleing a Minister amongst 
us, but also peace and concord, did yield to the motion, and made 
choice of some of th6se (that did oppose our former proceeding) to 
act accordingly : but now we perceiving their fruitless endeavors in 
that respect, and being desireous, if God permit to have one amongst 
us to break the bread of life to us and ours, and especially the Rev. 
Mr. Daniel Gookin, do if authority permit of it, bind ourselves to 
these particulars under written in the full sum of Ten pounds Sterling 
to be paid by us upon every wilful neglect or refusal. 

1st, That application be made to the Rev. Mr. Daniel Gookin, to be 
the settled Minister of Sherborn, by those three Men the town have 
lately made choice of to Settle a Minister in Sherborn viz. Daniel 
Morse, senr. Joseph Morse & Edward West, with as much speed as 
may be. 

2d, That in case Mr. Gookin do agree to come amongst us, we do 
engage to pay to him annually as the Town in general have voted 
viz. twenty pounds in money, and twenty pounds in country pay, such 
as we raise among ourselves, and such as the Minister wants, at such 
prises as go from man to man amongst ourselves : as also when the 
Minister hath a family or the people increase in the Town by the ad- 
dition of new Families considerably, then to augment his allowance 
and this to continue with the help of such as may by Law be brought 
in to pay, during our abode in Sherborn. 

3d, That the house for the Minister, in the place where it now 
stands, be fitted and finished conveniently to dwell in, and one Acre 
of Land to be broken up and fenced in a town charge ; and this 
House and Land as it is now in part lotted out shall be given to him 
the said Mr. Gookin, and his heirs forever, provided he do engage 
himself to us to be our settled constant Minister together with his in- 
terest in common Lands as other inhabitants. 

4th, We do agree that when we do build our Meetingliouse it shall 
stand where it was ordered and agreed, near Edwards Plain. 

Finally, We do agree that all those above written charges shall be 
raised according to the Town vote viz. by heads & estates ratable in 
ihe country Invoice, and do also agree that all forfeitures that shall be 
made as above said shall be paid to the Minister towards bis yearly 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 



53 



maiutenaiic(\ To these above said particulars we do bind us and our 
heirs in the sum above said liraily and do make of the Men above 
written to see to the execution of this agreement of ours according to 
tlie true intent thereof. In witness whereof we have putt to our 
hands, dated 29th April 1681. 



Daniel Morse, Jr. 
John Hill 
Thos. Holbrook 
Moses Adams 
Ephraim BuUen 
John Death 
Thos. Sawin 
John Eaaies 
Isaac Lealand 
Zachari Padleford 
Obadiah Morse 



Thos. Gleason 
Edward West 
Joseph Morse 
Benoni Learned 
Nathl. Morse fr. 
Daniel Morse, Jr. 
Ebenezer Lealand 
Jonathan P,Iorse 
John Perry 
Jonathan Whitney 
Ebenezer Fairbanks. 



Benj. Bullard objected to the 4th Article. 

I whose name is here subscribed do freely and fully engage to re- 
main in the work of the Ministry at Sherborn so long as I can live in 
said place so as to attend ray work without distraction. 

DANIEL GOOKIN, Jr. 

No date. Probably 1683 or 1GS4. 

1707. — May 29. At a meeting of the Selectmen it 
was oiderd, that each person in town, for the Pool or Pools 
he or she is rated for shall cut and carry to the house of the 
Rev. Mr. Gookin, one half Cord of wood per poll ; and 
each and every person who neglect to perform as afore- 
said shall pay a Fine of 2 Shillings per poll to the use of 
said Minister. 

Oct. 23. — Voted to hire a minister while March next 
and that Mr. Baker be the man to supply Mr. Cookings 
Pulpit, now in the time of his restraint, if he may be ob- 
tained. 

1710. — Dec. 11th. At a meeting of the Inhabitants 
of Sherborn Capt. Joseph Morse, ^ Deacon Benoni Lcar- 
«cd, Moderators. 



64 HISTORY OF SIinUKLRNE. 

Then it was put to the Inhabitants by the said Moderators that in- 
asmucli as the work of the jNIiiiistery is apparently two hard for our 
ilev. and worthey Pastor Mr. Daniel Gooking, he being a Crazie and 
infirm man and well stricken in years, whither they were willing to 
give the Rev. Mr Baker a call or invitation to settle with us in this 
Town in the work of Gospel Service as an assistant to our Rev. Pastor 
aforesaid ; and after some debate on the matter it being put to try the 
minds of the Inhabitants, it was voted verry fully on the affirmative to 
.give the Rev. Mr. Daniel Baker a call to settle in Gospel Service 
fi« laia assistant to our Rev. Pastor aforesaid. Voted on the alFirmative. 

Also it was voted at said meeting To give the said Mr. Baker a 
yearly salary of 50 pounds money during the life of our Rev. Pastor 
and after his decease to augment Mr. Baker's Salary if need be. — 
Voted in the affirmative. 

Attest, Jos. Morse, Benoni Learned Moderators. 

At aMeetieg of the Inhabitants of Sherborn April 2d, 1711. Then 
Ihe Rev. Mr.Danicl Gookin was pleased to exhibit the following. 

" I have formerly as is well known, and several of the leading Men 
of the Town can testifie, yielded to sink ten Pounds of the country 
part of my Salary for the encourageing of the Town to proceed in yt. 
weighty design that they have been lately upon, and are not yet come 

to a full conclusion about But it hath been signified to me that 

■what I did (and that freely) would not be accepted of by those to 
whom the offer was made, or at least it would not be accepted by the 
Town : but if I thought it would not be imagined that I had a mind 
to force the Town to an acceptance of it, I would say that I do freely 
give back to the Town ten pounds of the country part of my yearly 
Salary, which they may improve for the encouragement of the Rev.. 
Gentleman whom they are treating withall with reference to a settle- 
ment : in case they can obtain him, otherwise if I must still carry on 
the whole work, as formerly, I do desire, and it is best meet that it 
should return to me and be paid to me as formerly — thus wishing 
Heaven to guide you in what is this day before you, I take leave and 
Test your assured friend. 

DANIEL GOOKIN." 

This being publickly read at the said meeting it was 
gratefully accepted of by the Town. 

Attest, \Vm. rider, Town Clerk. 

1711 — Sept. 17th. At a meeting to consider upon 
some proposals that the Rev. Mr. Baker hath made to 



HISTORY OK SHKRBURNE. 55 

said Town about the advancement of liis sallary after the 
liov. Daniel Gookins decease. Voted to advance Rev. 
Daniel Bakers Sallary to the sum of seventy Pounds per 
Annum immediately after the decease of our Rev. Pastor. 
These with other inducements as 1st. tlie sincere con- 
currance of ye Rev. Daniel Gookin with tiie church &. 
Town in ye above mentioned affair ; as also ihe gen- 
erosity of the good People of said Sherburne in subscrib^- 
ing liberally towards building and settleing oftheRer. 
Daniel Baker aforesaid toirether with the land yt is offered 
to him for a settlement and the good Council and advice of 
several of the Rev. Elders our common Friends and well- 
wishers) hath prevailed with the Rev. Gentleman to give 
the following Answer to the Invitation given him to settle 
in the Gospel service in said town. 

To tlie Committees of the Chinch and Town of Sherborn, To 
be communicated to the Church and Town, Reverend and dearly be- 
loved in our Lord Jesus Christ. It is now a considerahle time since 
you have given me an invitation to settle with you in tlie glorious Gos- 
pel of peace, and it is with no small importunity that you have for some 
time pressed for an Answer to your desires. The weightiiiess of the 
work you have asked me to engage in, with some other things I have 
had uuder consideration, will atone for my ut'l-.sying an answer so long. 
I hope I have not been backward in seeking direction from the All- 
wise Counsellor, nor have I been wanting in asking the advice of seve- 
ral of the Rev. Elders, our common Friends and wellwishers, whose 
Counsel I highly esteem. I am at length, (though not without a deep 
sense of the weightiness of the ^\ork you have called me unto, and 
my own utter insufficiency therefor and to answer what possibly vou 
may expect, for who is sufficient for these things !) persuaded to ex- 
cept of and embrace your Invitation, acknoM'ledging the encourage- 
ment you have proposed. And do signify to you my resolution (in 
convenient time) to come and abide with you in Gospel service so lone^ 
jis ywi shall afford me gospel Encouragement, which, as you will 
doubtless conclude I should charitably believe you will not fail lo do, 
so you will not take it amiss, that I assure you that I expect it. 

Thus promising myself that you will not fail to ask for me at the 
throne of Grace all suitable and seasonable enlargements of the holy 
Spirit of Grace, that I may come to you in the fulness of the blessin<j 
of the Gospel, and that all my ministrations amongst you may be oou- 



^6 HISTORY OF SIlERnrRNE. 

tlnually accompanied with the ailpowcrfiill influences of God's Spirit 
as a means lo the conversion and edification of Souls. To the gra- 
cious guidance of tlie same holy Sj)iiit I conuiiend yoii, and rest 
vours ill Gospel service. 

DANIEL BAKER. 
Dedhani, Dec. 29th 1711. 

1711-12. — Jan. 1 kli. At a nicciing, Voted that Rcv. 
Daniel Baker's Answer be vcrry gratefully excepted and 
the Town renders thanks to him for his good intentions 
towards them, and do freely concur and take up with his 
said Answer. 

At the same meeting a committee was chosen to 
take care about what is subscribed towards the Building 
for Rev. Daniel Baker, that it be regularly and orderly 
performed. 

1731. — June 16. A committee of three viz. Deacon 
Greenwood, William Lealand and John Holbrcok to take 
Care for the Supply of the pulpit untill ye Town Com in 
to Sum otlier methord ; Then was granted the sum of 
Fifty pounds for the Supply of ye Pulpit. 

Sept. 27. — It was put to vote which of the Gentlemen 
who had of late supplyed the pulpit, they wold here 
further in ye Supply of ye Pulpit, if they might be ob- 
tained, And Mr. Uarney had the majority of votes. 

Dec. 10. — Granted the sum of Sixty Pounds for the 
Support, and to pay those ministers which supply the 
Pulpit with preaching. 

1731.-2. — Jan. 26. It being tryed by a vote wheth- 
er ye Town inclined to hire som other Gentleman in the 
pulpit and it passed fully in the affirmative. 

1732— April 25. The Churches Choice of Rev. 
John Warren to be their Gospil minister was presented 
to the Town for their Concurrance. And the Town by 



HISTORV OF SHERBURNE. 57 

a full Vote Excepted of the Churches Choice ; And Lt. 
.lose})!! Ware, Dea. Greenwood and Samuel Holbrook 
ware Chosen a Conunittee to Treat with IMr. John Warren 
and report what the Town has dim, ^-c At this meeting 
twenty six voters entred their dissent to the above pro- 
ceedings, said meeting being accounted irregular and Not 
Legal. And they observe ; Further more We do not 
Concur with the Choice the Churches this Day. 

Oct. 12. — Then it was put to the town to know their 
minds Avhither they would accept of the Churches Choice 
of ye Rev. Mr. Ward Cotton to be their Gospel Minister, 
and the town unanimously manifested their acceptance of 
the Churches choice of the Reverend gentleman aforesaid 
by written votes. The town made choice of a committee 
to join with that of the church to treat with Mr. Cotton 
^c. Nothing further appears respecting Mr. Cotton on 
the records. At this meeting the town voted one hundred 
and twenty pounds, to supply the town with preaching, &,c 

1733. — June 14. At said meeting Mr. Nathaniel 
Walter was chosen the Gospel minister of said Church 
and town by a majority of votes — Also a committee was 
chosen to treet with Mr. W alter, &c. Nothing further 
respecting Mr. VV. on record. 

Sept. 28th — At a meeting of the Church in Sherborn 
with the rest of the freeholders and other Inhabitants of 
said Town Duly qualified to Vote in Town affairs And 
to joyn Ishue or Concur ^V^ith the Church in the choice 
of a Gospel minister — The Church and Town Unani- 
mously voted and made choice of Ebenezer Hancock to 
be their Gospel minister, and a committee was chosen to 
Give him an Invitation or call to settle with us in the 
W^ork and service, ^c. Nothing further on record re- 
specting Mr. Hancock. 
8 



58 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

1734.— April 25. The Church and Town by a Unan- 
imous Vote made Choice of Mr. Samuel Porter to be 
their Gospel Minister. And voted three hundred pounds 
in Bills of Publick credit towards his Settlement. Also 
voted one hundred and thirty pounds per annum for his 
Salary in Bills of credit on this province according to 
their present value : and to rise and fall as Silver money 
doth With the Marchants of this province — Provided he 
Settle with us, in the Gospel ministry and so long as he 
Continues in the Same. 

Mr. John Holbrook, Capt. John Death, Lieut. Isaac 
Coolidge, Mr. James Whitney ^^ Ensign Eleazer Fair- 
banks were Chosen a Committee to joyn with the Church- 
es Committee To Treet with the Reverd. Gentlm. Cho- 
sen as afore sd. And to give him an Invitation, or call to 
Settle in Said Town in the Work and Service of the 
Gospel Ministry. 

July 16 — Voted that the Revd. Mr. Samuel Porter's 
Yearly Salary Shall be one hundred and Thirty ounces 
of Silver, or the amount thereof in Bills of Public Credit 
And the Salary Annually to Rise and fall according to 
the Standard of Silver money at Twenty Shillings per 
ounce. 

August 20 — The Church and Town Voted that the 
fourth Wednesday in October next Shall be the Day ap- 
pointed to ordain the Revd. Mr. Samuel Porter, and 
granted Twenty five pounds to be Levied on Polls and 
Estats by Way of vote, according to the rules prescribed 
in the Law for the Support of the Ministers and Messin- 
gers at the ordination, ^c. 

1746.— Nov 12. Then ye town Voted to pay Mr. 
Wilson, for Preaching (in the time of ye Revd. Mr. Por- 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 59 

er's sickness) out of money returned to ye Town for not 
sending a representative. 

1749. — Octr. 31. Then the town voted that the 
Kevd. Mr, Porter's Sallary for this present year Shall be 
four hundred Pounds Old tenor. — Then a vote was asked 
whither the women should sit with their chairs in the 
alleys of the meeting house and it jiassed in the Negative. 
1759. — Septr. 9. A certificate was sent from the Bap- 
tist Church of Christ in Boston, declaring Mr. Jonathan 
Partridge of said Shurburne to be a member of said 
Church, under the care of Mr. Ephraim Bounde, Elder of 
sd. Church. 

Septr. 10. — Then the town voted that Mr. Porter's 
Sallary should be tiiis present year 66 pound 13 shillings 
and 4 pence. 

1758. — Oct. 2d. Granted twenty seven pounds and 
fifteen shillings to fulfil and Complete what remained due 
from the town for the Sallary of the Kevd. Mr. Samuel 
Porter Late Deced. At the said meeting the town gran- 
ted £66 13s. 4d. to supply the town with Preaching for 
time to Come. At the above said meeting the town 
made Choice of Deacon James Whitney, Deacon Jona- 
than Russell and Mr. Arthur Clark a Committee to sup- 
ply the Pulpit in sd. town. 

Deer. 18. — Voted that the committee Which Ware ap- 
pointed to supply the Pulpit be Desird to Ingage Mr. 
Minot for 1 or 2 months Longer to preach in sd. town. 
1758-9.-Jan. 29. The Church and town unitedly made 
Choice of Mr. vSteven Minot to be their Gospel minister 
by a Unanemos Vote, and offered £133 6s. 8d. towards 
his settlement ; and £66 13s. 4d. for his Sallary. 

June 29. — The town Voted that the Committee allrea- 



60 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

d_y Chosen are desired to Ingage Mr. Lock to Supply the 
town with Preaching, or Som other gentleman or gen- 
tlemen Until there shall be another meeting on that af- 
fair. 

August ]5. — The town Concurred with the act of the 
Church of Christ in Sherburne in Choosing Rcvd. Samuel 
Lock for their Gospel minister, by a majority of Votes, 
and voted £133 6s. 8d. for his encourgement to settle with 
us ; also £73 6s. 8d. per annum for his salary, provided 
he settle with us, in the Gospel ministry, and so Long as 
he continues in the same. At the aforesaid meeting the 
town chose as a committee to join with the churches com- 
mittee Dr. Bela Lincoln and John Morse to treet with 
Revd. Samuel Lock. 

Revd. Samuel Lock by his answer in ye affirmitiue, on 
September 23d 1759 manifested his Exceptence of the 
choice above mentioned. 

Octr. 11. — In town meeting voted that Wednesday the 
7th day of November next be the day for the Ordenation 
of Revd. Samuel Lock into the office and service of the 
Gospel ministry in Shurburne by a majority of Votes. 
Also at ye said meeting the town chose Capt. Edward 
Learned, Capt. Amos Coollidge & Mr. Samuel Sanger a 
committee to provide entertainment for the Revd. coun- 
cel at ye sd ordenation. and voted that the selectmen 
are desired to draw money out of the town treasury 
so much as they Judge needfuU for ye sd. Entertainment. 

1760. — Deer. 3d. The selectmen gave order to the 
Town Treasurer to pay Mr. Stephen Minot's Heirs what 
Remd due to Him for preaching. 

1763.— March 7. Voted to pay Mr. Brooks for 
preaching when Mr Locke was sick. 

May 7. — Mr. Benjamin Whitney, Deacon Jonathan 



lIISTOxflY Oi' SHERBURNE. 61 

Russell and EI)cnezor Twitcholl were chosen to supply 
the town with proachlng, and voted that the committee 
})rovide three vomiii: ministers to preach one month each 
as soon as may be (\')nvenant. Granted £40 lor the pur- 
j)ose. 

Dec. 3. — Voted to pay Timothy Ililliard his account 
for preaching" at SluMbnrn. 

July ^.— -Voted to have the Committee lnj:;age 3[r. 
Brown four Saborths more than they have already. 

August 27.— Voted that tiie town ware determined to 
<;ome to the choice of a minister before they Iieard any 
more on probation ; and tiiat the committee Imploy Mr. 
Broivn till the town come to the choice, and voted £30 
to pay for preaching. 

Septr. 19.— The town concurred with the Church by 
choosing Rev. Elijah Brown their Gospell minister by a 
majority of votes. Granted £160 settlement; £73 Gs. 
4d. pr. annum salary. Chose; a committee to Joyn with 
tiie Churches committee to treat with Rev. Elijah Brown. 

Nov. 8. ---Voted that the last Wednesday of this in- 
stant Novr. be the day for the ordination of Rev. Elijah 
Brown ; chose Dr. Lcavit to entertain the Counsel. Also 
voted that the town will not make a publick entertain- 
ment. 

1771. — Jan. 21. Chose a committee to make appli- 
cation to the Hon. and Rev. Board of Overseers of Har- 
vard College for the necessary expence of the Resettle- 
ment of a minister. 

March 4.— Granted to Sam.ucl Sanger for keeping min- 
isters horses £2 6s. to Dr. Josiah Lcvet for providing for 
ordination £10 2s. 8d. 

1772. — March 2. Voted to have the town Treasurer 



62 HISTORY OF SIIERDURNE. 

let out tli<3 money granted by the Corporation of Harford 
CoIIidge and the Province Treasuror to the town, on good 
security ; being in all £51, 7s. 44. 

1809. — August 22. From this time the " Parish Re- 
cords" have been kept in a book, separate from the 
TovVxN Records, from which most of the following ex- 
tracts are made, 

1814.— August 29. Voted to hire some person to as- 
sist the Revd. Elijah Brown, in the discharge of his min- 
isterial duties, during his feeble state of health, and gran- 
led y^lOO for this purpose. 

1815.— May 23. A vote, of the same tenor with the 
last was past, and ;^240 granted for hiring Preaching. 

1816. — March 4. A vote similar to the above was 
past, money granted and a committee chosen to ^hire 
preaching. 

Septr. Monday the day of A vote was asked 

whether the Parish would concur with the Church of 
Christ in this place, in giving the Revd. Ephraim Randall 
an mvitation to settle with them, as their Gospel minister, 
and it passed in the negative. 

Nov. 4.— Voted and granted ^Ib to defray the expen- 
ces of the Funeral of the late Revd. Elijah Brown. 

Biographical Sketches. — Daniel Gooldn, the first 
minister in Sherhurne, was a native of Cambridge, and 
son of the celebrated Superintendent of the Indians, who 
Lore the same name, and was the indefatigable friend and 
companion of the apostolic Eliot, in his missionary labors. 
He was graduated at Harvard University in 1GG9. I 
have found no account of the time of his ordination. He 
is mentioned with respect by our early historians, as one, 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. ^ 63 

who possessed the same zeal for civilizing and cvangeliz- 
iii'i tiie Indians, which animated Eliot and his venerable 
father. Eliot thus writes, respecting Rev. Daniel Goo- 
kin, to the Hon. Robert Boyle, April 22. 1684. 

Major Gookin hath dedicated his eldest son, Daniel 
Gookin unto the service of Cjjj'ist ; he is a pious and 
learned young man, about thirty three years old, hath 
been eight years a fellow of the CoHese ; he hath tau;;iit 
and trained up two classes of young scholars unto their 
commencement; l-e is a man whose abilities are al)ove 
e.\ce])tion, though not above envy. iJis fath.er, with his 
inclination, advised him to Sherburne, a small villa<;e near 
Natick, whose meeting house is about three miles, noro 
or less, from Natick meeting house. He holdeth a Lec- 
ture in Natick meeting liouse once a month ; which many 
English, especially of Sherburne, do frequent. He first 
preacheth in English to the English audience, and then 
the same matter is delivered to the Indians, by an inter- 
prefer, whom with much pains, Mr. Gookin hath fore pre- 
pared. We apprehend this will '(by God's blessing) be a 
means to enable the Indians to understand religion preach- 
ed in the English tongue, and will much further Mr. Goo- 
kin in learning the Indian tongue. 

A humble stone, in tlie central grave yard, marks the 
spot where his remains repose, and bears the following 
inscription. 

Here lyes ye Body 

of ye Reverend DANIEL GOOKIN, 

Pastor of ye Church of Christ at Sheruon. 

Deed. Janry ye 8th. 1717-18, 

hi ye 68th. year of his age. 



64 HISTORY OF SIIEnBURNE. 

Daniel Baker, the second Riir.ister. wn.s a Batlvo of 
Dedliam, and graduated at Harvard University in I TOG. 
He was settled as colleague with Mi'. Gookin ; but tlie 
precise lime of his ordination is not ascertained. M is com- 
munication, accej)ting t!ie invitation of iha Church and 
Town, is dated, Dec. % 1711. He died May 14th 
1731. His age iy not mentioned on the register of deaths. 
Allov/ing him to have been 20, when he was graduated, 
he died at the age of 45. 

A ku'ge stone shib, of the grindstone kind, was placed 
over liis grave, in the central burying ground, supj)orted 
by brick work. A slate with a suitable inscription, was 
let into tlie slab ; but the brick work has crumbled away, 
the slab has fallen, and the slate is lost, or destroyed. 

By the side of this dilapidated monument, a modest 
stone stands erect with this inscri])tion. 

Here rests the precious dust of 

Mrs. Mary Baker, 

Consort of ye Reud. Mr. Daniel Baker, 

Pastor of ye Church in Sherbourne and 

Daughter of Coll. Edmimd Quincey, 

late of Brantrey, Esquire. 

D\cd, March mil. 1716, 

in ye 32d year of her age. 

The only publication of Mr. Baker, that I have seen or 
heard of, is entitled, " Two Sermons, the First preached 
at Dedliam, October 5th 1726. On a day of Prayer with. 
Fasting there, to ask the Pourings out of the Spirit of 
Grace on 77iem, and especially on their Children : — The 
Other — Early Piety the Duty and Interest of Youth. As 
it was shown in A Sermon preached at Sherbourn, on May 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 65 

10, 1727. Being a day set apart there, for Prayer with 
Fasting. To implore tlic Effusion of God's Spirit on the 
Rising Generation. By Daniel Baker, A. M. Pastor 
of tlic Church of Christ in Sherbourn. — Boston, Printed 
for D. Henchman, 1728." 

This is an 1 8mo volume of 1 64 pages. The first six pa- 
ges are, occupied with an address "To the Reader," 
signed by five venerable men, who were then ministers of 
the several towns, annexed to their names — Joseph Bax- 
ter, Me dfield ; Jon ATH. Town SEND, iVee^/iam; Samuei, 
DEXTER, Dedham; (Nathan Bucknam, Medway ; Oli- 
ver Peabody, Natick, 

The next 48 pages contain the sermon preached at 
Dedham, from Chron. XXVIII, 9. Then follows a ded- 
ication, " To Those under my Pastoral Care,''"' occupying 
6 pages,^and signed by Daniel Baker. The remaining 
64 pages contain the Sermon preached at Sherbourn, from 
Proverbs III. 1, 2. 

I shall extract a few paragraphs from the Dedication 
mentioned above, as a specimen of the author's style of 
writing, and as throwing some light on the situation of 
the minister and people of this town, at the time it was 
written. 

" Beloved Friends, — It is now more than Seventeen Years since you 
first Invited me to Preach to you, and above Fourteen since my In- 
auguratIon]into the Office of Pastor to you, as an Assistant to my wor- 
thy Predecessor, the Rev. Mr. Gookin ; whose Company and Help in 
the great Workl had undertaken, I so much prized, that might I have 
yet enjoyed it, I have often thought that I could have been contented 
with the small Salary you first gave me. But a righteous God has 
ordered it otherwise : However much to My loss, yet undoubtedly to 
His great Gain and'Advantage. It is now more than Ten Years that 
I have had the whole Pastoral Care of you. And it has been in 
9 



6g HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

Weakness and in much Fear that I have been with you. Yet I have 
this to Comfort and Encourage me, that I have reason to hope that 
my Preaching has not been altogether in vain to you. God has (and 
to Him be all the Glory) since my coming amongst you, made a very 
considerable Addition to His Church ; and I am billing to hope of 
such as shall be Saved. Moreover, it has been no small Encourage- 
ment to me that my Labours have found so much Acceptance with 
you. One Instance of which you have now given, in your forward- 
ness to be at the Charge of Printing those Sermons which were Preach- 
ed on Days of Fasting and Prayer for You and Others. 

It is well known that it is owing to the Repeated and Undeniable 
Request of some of you (especially) that these Sermons are thus come 
to Publick View. Might I have had my own Inclination, and if I 
had no more regard to publick usefulness than my own private Inter- 
est, or Applause, and had it not been a pain to me to deny you, they 
had never seen the Light. * * * * 

I have one Request to you, since I have granted you yours. I must 
freely confess, I don't remember that ever I asked any thing of you of 
an external nature, or on a worldly account, but you always granted 
it. And now my Request is, that you would be earnest in your 
Prayers to God for me, that I may obtain mercy to be Faithful to 
God and Souls; that my ministry may yet be more successful among 
you, and that I may save my own Soul as well as yours. I am FoMr 
Aflectionate Friend and Servant of your Souls. 

DANIEL BAKER." 

Samuel Porter, the third ininister, was a native of 
Brookfield, and graduated at Harvard University in 1730. 
He was ordained on the foimh Wednesday in October, 
1734. His remains were deposited in the central groinid 
by the side of his two predecessors, in the pastoral of- 
fice, Gookin and Baker. The inscription on his grave- 
stone, which is subjoined, i^ supposed to describe his cliar- 
acter justly and truly, as well as to inform us respecting 
the duration of his ministry, his age and the time of his 
departure.' • i^ 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 67 

Sub hoc Marmoro Rcliquiec sunt deposita3 Reverendi 
Samuelis Porter, Viri propter agiles mentis facultates 
insignis ; pro Pietate et Prudentia, pro Benevolentia 
niorumque comitate conspicui ; Pra^conis Evangelii ar- 
dentis ; ornamenti Doctrinal effulgentisque Exemplaris 
Christi VitcB ; Pastoris vigilantissimi et benignissimi Ec- 
clesioe apud Sherbourn per aunos viginti quatuor. Eru- 
ditione quoque humana sacraque Theologia versali, soci- 
isque affectionibus et Virtutibus maxime proediti et or- 
nati, qui ad Regiones coelestes ab hac Vita transivit, de- 
cimo sexto Die Septembris, A. D. 1758, iEtat. 49. 

Translation. 
Beneath this stone are deposited the remains of the 
Reverend Samuel Porter ; a man distinguished for ac- 
tive powers of mind ; conspicuous for piety and pru- 
dence, for benevolence and courtesy of manners ; a zeal- 
ous preacher of the gospel ; an ornament of the doctrine 
and a shkiing example of the life of Christ ; a most 
watchful and affectionate pastor of the church at Sher- 
bourn, during twenty four years. He was also well 
versed in human learning and sacred Theology, and dis- 
tinguishingly endowed and adorned with social affections 
and virtues. He passed from this life to the heavenly 
regions, September 16, 1758, in the 49th year of his 
age. 

Two stones, erected by the side of his, inform us that 
he had been the husband of two wives, who were buried 
before him, both of the name of Mary. What were 
their surnames, previous to marriage, is not known. One 
died August 10, 1752; the other August 8, 1758. 

Samuel Locke, S. T. D. the fourth minister, was born 



68 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

in Lancaster, Mass. Nov. 23, 1732, and graduated at 
Harvard University A. D. 1755. He was ordained Nov. 
7, 1759. Being chosen President of Harvard Universi- 
ty, he was inaugurated, Marcii 21, 1770; resigned that 
office Dec 1. 1773, and returned to Sherburne, where he 
died suddenly, January 15th 1777, in the 45th'year of his 
age. 

Mr. Locke was esteemed, as a worthy and useful min- 
ter, and was much respected, as president of the college, 
till the time of his resignation. Not a stone has been 
erected to tell where he lies ; but the place may be known 
by that at the grave of his son, Dr. Samuel Locke, who 
died August 30, 1788. The sexton mentioned ; in the 
hearing of the writer of this, that in digging the grave for 
the son, he discovered some of the bones of the father. 

Elijah Brown w^as born at Waltham, Mass. May 31, 
1744, and graduated at Harvard University 1764. He 
was ordained, Nov. 28, 1770. On this occasion the Rev. 
Jacob Gushing of Waltham preached a Sermon from first 
Corinthians, IV. 2. " It is required of stewards, that a 
3Ian be found faithful." This was printed. 

Mr. B. was twice married. His first wife was Susan- 
na Biglow of Waltham, who presented him with two sons, 
who were graduated at Harvard University, A. D. 1804, 
and died in early life : namely, Elijah, July 28, 1805, 
aged 24, and Henry who had commenced the practice of 
law, and died August 3, 1810, aged 27. Mrs. Brown, 
died May 1, 1807. His second consort was widow 
Abigail Flagg, a sister of his first wife, who survives him. 
He died, Oct. 24, 1816, after several shocks of Palsy, 
which destroyed his mind, aged 72, in the forty sixth 
jear of his ministry. He was respectfully interred jou 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. G9 

the 'i8th cUiy of the same month, at the expense of his 
])anshioncrs. On this occasion the fnst prayer was of- 
fered by Rev. Stephen Palmer of East Needham, a Ser- 
mon was preached by Rev. Dr. Sanders of Medficld, 
from Heb. VII. 23, 24, and the second prayer was made 
by Rev. Thomas Noyes of West Needham. 

The Hon. Judge Spragiic, formerly of Lancaster, Ms. 
was a classmate of Mr. B. in College. He once observ- 
ed to the writer of this, that, in his opinion, " there were 
about a dozen real geniuses in the class, and that Brown 
was one of them." In fact, in his conversation, in his 
])ublick, extemporoneous performances and in his writings, 
he gave many proofs, that he was justly entitled to this 
appellation, and that he had made respectable literary at- 
tainments. 

His sermons were generally practical, rather than doc- 
trinal. That delivered at the ordination of Rev. Zede- 
kiah Sanger, would now pass pretty well among those 
styled orthodox. It is conclucd with the following dox- 
ology. " Now unto God, the Father, to God the Son, 
and to God the Holy Ghost be ascribed undivided honor 
and endless glory in the church — Amen." But, as he 
grew older, and paid more atteniion to his professional 
studies, he grew more liberal, as it is called, and during 
the latter part of his life, ranked with those who are now 
excluded by many from their communion, as unworthy to 
bear the name of Christians. 

Mr. Brown was averse from controversy. One philoso- 
pher may believe the sun to be an immtftise globe of fire ; 
another, that it is an opaque mass, with a luminous sur- 
face. One may suppose the moon to consist of land and 
water, like our earth ; another, that it is a solid substance. 



70 HISTORY or SHERBURNE. 

indented with deep, dark caverns ; a third, that it has an 
atmosphere, and a fourth, that it has none. Yet all these 
men may use the light of these luminaries equally to 
their own advantage, and for the purposes, for which they 
were designed by the Creator of the universe. So Mr. 
B. conceived that Christians may differ widely in specu- 
lative opinions, and yet rejoice in the light of the gospel 
with equal sincerity, and walk by this light with equal 
uprightness and safety. 

He considered those points, respecting whichjthe bit- 
terest contentions arise among theologians, as having but 
little reference to the love of God, or man ; and he was 
thoroughly convinced, that controversy, as it is generally 
managed, is in a high degree unfavorable to both. He 
was of the opinion that, if Christians would bestow half 
the pains to find out how far they agree in sentiment, 
that they do to discover wherein they differ, and walk 
by the same rule, so far as they are agreed, it would 
have a strong tendency to increase their happiness, both 
temporal and eternal. 

To the sick and the sorrowful his parochial visits were 
acceptable and consoling. His feelings were quick and 
tender, which led him to weep with those who wept, as 
well as to rejoice with those who rejoiced. This same 
sensibility, it was thought, rendered him too hasty in re- 
senting a real, or supposed injury ; but it always caused 
him to be easily reconciled to the object of his resentment. 
He possessed a natural vein of wit and humour, which 
requires much judgment to manage without giving of- 
fence ; and in whicli he occasionally indulged, to a great- 
er extent, than was consistent with the dignity of his pro- 
fession. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 71 

With these exceptions, he exhibited a good example to 
his flock, and met with fewer difjiculties, either in his 
church, or congregation, than are generally encountered 
by those, who have a whole town for a parish ; and it is 
believed by many that there was as much genuine virtue 
and piety in the town, during his long and faithful minis- 
try, as there has been at any time since his departure. 

Mr. Brown, his first wife and their two sons lie buried 
near the gate of the Plain burying ground. The follow- 
ing is the inscription on his gravestone. 

" Sacred 

To the Memory of 

Rev. ELIJAH BROWN, 

who was born at Wallham, 

May 31, 1744; Gradua^d at 

Harvard Universitv, 1 to4; 

Orduned. Nov. 28, 1770; 

Obit, Oct. 24, 1816: 

Mt. 72. 

He was possessed of strong mental powers, improved 
by science ; and an exquisite sensibility which peculiarly 
qualified him for sympathizing with the afflicted. As a 
friend, he was social and obliging ; as a husband, tender 
and affectionate ; as a parent, kind and indulgent ; and 
for many years, an able and attentive minister." 

The publications of Mr. B. are — A Sermon preached 
at tlie ordination of the Rev. Zedekiah Sanger to the 
pastoral care of the church in Duxbury, July S, 177G. 
Printed by T. k J. Fleet, 177(1. The texc irom Malachi 
il. 7. For the priests lips should keep kiwuuAhe, and 
they should seek the law at his mouth ; for he is the mes- 
seno-tr of the Lord of Hosts. And " the right hand of 
fellowship gi"ven to the Rev. Benjamin Green, at his or- 
dination to the pastoral care of the first church of Christ 
inMedway, in conjunction with Rev. Mr. Nathan Buck- 



72 ' HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

nam, June 28, 1788." Printed by T. & J. Fleet, with the 
other performances. 

No descendants of any of the deceased ministers are 
known to be living. Mr. Savage observes in a note to 
his edition of Winthrop's Journal, " that the family name 
of Capt. Daniel Gookin is still perpetuated in New Hamp- 
shire." — Vol. 2. p. 165. —But those, who bear this name, 
are believed to be descended from a brother of the minis- 
ter of Sherburne. 

1816. — Nov. 25. Shearjashuh Bourne Townsend, a 
native of Barrington, R. 1. and graduate of Brown Uni- 
versity, 1814, was chosen by a vote of the church to be 
their pastor. 

Dec. 16. — The oarish voted to concur with the church 
in calling Mr. S. d. Townsend to settle with them, as 
their gospel minister. Three hundred Dollars were 
granted to be paid him within one year from the time of 
his settlement ; the further sum of ^300 in two years 
from that time ; and ^600 annually. 

1817. — June 9. The parish voted to concur with the 
church in appointing the second day of July next for the 
ordination of Mr. Townsend. 

July 2d. — An Ecclesiastical Council convened at Sher- 
burne, when the following pastors, with one or two dele- 
gates from their respective Churches, were present. — 

Revds. George Morey, JValpole ; Stephen Palmer, 
Needham; Daniel C. Sanders, D. D. Medjield ; Thomas 
Noyes, Needham ; John White, Dedham ; Ralph Sanger, 
Dover ; Luther Bailey, Medway ; Martin Moore, Natick ; 
William Cogswell, Dedham; Zedekiah Sanger, D. D. 
Bridgeivater , David Kellog, D. D. Framingham ; Luther 
V^ngXw, Barrington, R. L; Henry Edes, D. D. Provi- 
iknce, R. I. ; Josephus Wheaton, HoUiston. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNU. 73 

The public performances on this occasion were the 
following, interspersed with appropriate music. 

1. Introductory Prayer by Rev. Dr. Sanders. 2. Ser- 
mon, Rev. Dr. Edes. 3. Consecrating Prayer, Rev. Dr. 
Kellogg. 4. Charge, Rev. Mr. Morey. 5. Right Hand 
of Fellowship, Rev. Mr. Moore. 6. Concluding Prayer, 
Rev. Mr. Noyes. 

1 828.— August 25. Voted that the Parish Committee, 
in concurrence with Rev. Mr. Townsend be directed to 
hire a minister, to supply the pulpit, during Mr. Town- 
send's inability to discharge Ins mlnletRnal duties ; and 
that they draw on the Treasurer for money to defray the 
expense to an amount, not exceeding ^100. 

1829. — July. 1. " Gentlemen, Selectmen of the Town 
of Sherburne — 

Having, after serious consideration, come to the, con* 
elusion to resign my Salary at the close of this year of 
my Ministry, I take this method of signifying my deter- 
mination to you, and through you to the People, at a con- 
venient opportunity. The occasion would prompt me to 
say much ; but my strength admonishes me to leave my 
motives to be chiefly interpreted by my past conduct and 
my known sentiments. The People will not be insensible, 
that I voluntarily remit what, if I live, I might long and 
legally retain. I see no reasonable prospect t\a( I shall 
within several years, if ever, be able to perfrtni the reg- 
ular and necessary duties of the stated iiinistry, even 
on the supposition that I should live anc^niy health be 
much improved. 

I deem it my duty to say that I hope it-vill be considered 
one of my principal reasons for adopting the present meas 
urcs, that the Church and People m-y liave an early op- 
10 



74 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

portunity of concurring in the choice of a Christian Pastor 
and Teacher, before discord shall invade and divide a 
People hitherto noted for Peace. 

If I make any sacrifice by this relinquishment, all I wish 
for myself in return is the affectionate remembrance of 
this People, and the permanent effect of my labors among 
them. I am sensible of many errors and deficiencies; 
I ask their forgiveness. And I shall cherish as long as 
life a deep sense of their past generosity and friendship. 

I am yours. Gentlemen, with respect and affection. 
SHFRJASHUB B. TOWNSEND." 

" P. S. As I h^ve delayed till this time to make this 
communication, I have engaged Fiev. Mr. Clarke to 
preach for three succeeding Sabbaths. 

If any explanation of the above is required, it will be 
understood, that I desire to retain a nominal relation to 
this Society as Minister ; and a Person settled would 
therefore be settled as colleague. But he would have all 
the compensation to receive, and, except what might be 
voluntary on my part, he would have all the ministertal 
duties to perform." 

JUy 20th. — Voted partially to discharge Rev. Mr, 
Townsend from his official duties— upon the conditions 
exprcssei! in the above communication. 

In the jutumn of this year, Mr. Townsend and his wife 
went on a '^^ourney for the benefit of his health ; first to 
Charleston, H. C. and thence to St. Augustine, in Flori- 
da, where the; still reside. 

1*830.— Mardi 22. Amos Clarke, a native of Sher- 
burne and a gra^iatc of H. U. 1804, was invited by a 
vote of the churcV and congregation united, to become 
the Associate Pasto^ with the Rev. Mr. Townsend, over 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 76 

ihis Society, on the following conditions, to wit — 1st. 
Tlie Society will give the Rev. Mr. Clarke ^$400 annually, 
to be paid to him, so long as he shall officiate, as Pastor 
of said Society. — The Society agree that the contract 
shall be dissolved and determined, at the pleasure of eith- 
er of the contracting parties giving six months notice to 
the other party of their desire of having said contract dis- 
solved. 

IMarch 27. — Mr. Clarke, by a written communication, 
" To the Inhabitants of the first Parish in Sherburne," sig- 
nified his acceptance of their invitation. 

May 20th. — An ecclesiastical council convened- at 
Sherburne for the purpose of ordaining Mr. Clarke. This 
council was composed of the following pastors of churches 
with their delegates. 

Revds. J. P. B. Storer, Walpole; John White, Ded- 
ham ; Alvan Lamson, Dedham ; Ralph Sanger, Dover ; 
William Ritchie, Needham ; J. W. Thompson, Nattck ; 
J. Pierce, D. D. Brookline ; C. Lowell, D. D. Boston ; 
J. Kendall, D. D. Plymouth ; J. Brazer, Salem ; J. Bart- 
lett, Mqrblghead ; Samuel Ripley, Waltham ; J. Parker, 
Soiithhorough ; Rufus Hulbert, Sudbury ; H. Ware, D. 
D. Cambridge ; D. C. Saunders, D. D. Medjield. 

Printed papers were distributed in the meetinghouse, 
on this occasion, headed as follows—" Order of Exercises 
at the Ordination of Mr. Amos Clarke, as Associate Pas- 
tor with the Rev. S. B. Townsend, of the First Con- 
gregational Church and Society in Sherburne." 

The following exercises were performed, with appro- 
priate music at intervals. 

Introductory Prayer, by Rev. Mr. Ripley of Waltham ; 
Heading of the Scriptures, Thompson, Natick ; Sermoii, 



76 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

Kendall, Plymoiith ; Ordaining Prayer, Ritchie, Need- 
ham ; Charge, Pierce, BrooMine ; Riglit Hand of Fel- 
lowship, Sanger, Dover ; Concluding Prayer, White, 
Dedham. 

June 7th. — Voted that the Parish Committee be re- 
quested to write to the Rev. Mr. Townsend, our senior 
Pastor, and express to him our sympathy and sorrow for 
the continuance of his indisposition ; our gratitude for the 
magnanimous sacrifice, he has made by relinquishing his 
salary, to promote our union and harmony ; and our anx- 
ious desire for his restoration to health and his early re- 
turn to his People : — and also to make him particularly ac- 
quainted with all the important circumstances, that have 
taken place in the Parish during his absence. 

August 18 and 19. — This Society raised a meeting- 
ho-ase which was finished in December following. It is 
83 by 48 feet, containing"j78 pews on the ground floor and 
6 in the gallery, besides seats for musicians. The ar- 
chitecture of this house exhibits a happy union of simplici- 
ty and elegance. On Lord's day, Dec. 26, of the same 
year, public worship was attended, for the last time, and 
an interesting and instructive sermon preached by Rev. 
Mr. Clarke, in the old meeting house, which had been 
devoted to that purpose, for more than a century. On 
Wednesday, the 29th of the same month and year, the 
new house, erected within a few feet of the old one, was 
solemnly dedicated to the worship of God. On this oc- 
casion the following exercises were performed, with ap- 
propriate music at intervals. Introductory Prayer, Rev. 
Mr. Muzzy of Framingham ; Reading Portions of Scrip- 
ture, Kendall, Medjield; Dedicatory Prayer, Ritchie, 
Needham ; Sermon, Clarke, Sherburne ; Concluding 
Prayer, Thompson, Natick. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 77 

On the 10th of February, 1830, a petition to William 
Farriss, Esq. or either of the Justices of the Peace, in the 
town ofNatick, was signed by twelve of the male inhab- 
itants of the town of Sherburne, in behalf of a majority of 
the church, and a minority of the congregation, request- 
ing that " a warrant may be issued, in due form of law, 
for the purpose of forming a Second religious Congrega- 
tional Society, in said town." A warrant was accord- 
ingly issued, on the next day, by Samuel Fisk, Esq. of 
Natick ; and, on the 22d of the same month and year, the 
society was duly organized. 

On the 8th of July following, this society raised the 
frame of a meeting house, on a rising piece of ground, 
about 40 rods, S. E. of Meetinghouse hill. This house 
is 60 by 46 feet, contains 64 pews on the floor, and a 
gallery for musicians. It is a pleasing specimen of plain 
and neat architecture. 

On the 30th of September 1830, the following votes 
were passed by this society. 

" At a meeting of the Church of Christ in Sherburne, 
held at the house of Mr. Henry Pratt, in said Sherburne, 
for the purpose of giving Mr. Samuel Lee an invitation to 
settle with them, as colleague pastor with the Rev. S. B. 
Townsend over said church : — Voted in the affirmative 
unanimously. 

AARON LELAND, Modr. 

A true copy, attest, Daniel Lcland, Scribe.'''' 

" The Evangelical Society voted, on the same day, 
that they do concur with the church, in giving the 
Rev. Samuel Lee an invitation to settle as above stated. 
BENJAMIN DOWSE, Moderator," 

October 16. — Mr. Lee accepted the above invitation. 



78 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

Nov. 4th. — An Ecclesiastical Council convened for the 
purpose of ordaining the pastor elect, and dedicating the 
meeting house, composed of the following pastors with 
their delegates. Revds. Mr. Fitch, HoUiston ; Howe and 
Phelps, Hopkinton ; Kellogg and Trask, Framingham ; 
MooYc^ Natick : 'Noyes, Needham ; Greenough and Gil- 
bert, Neioton; Bigelow, rValpole ; Wood, Upton; Bald- 
win, Berlin; Smith, E. Sudbury ; Ide, Medway ; Hard- 
ing, JVaWiam ; Southmayd, Concord, Ms.,; Emmons and 
Smalley, Franklin ; Beecher, D. D. Boston ; Fay, 
Charlestoivn ; Pond, Boston ; Taylor, D. D. professor of 
Theology, Yale College, Neiv Haven. 

On this occasion, hand bills v/ere distributed in the 
meetinghouse, bearing the following superscription. — 
" Order of Exercises, at the Dedication of the Meeting 
House of the Trinitarian Church and Society, in Sher- 
burne ; and Ordination of Mr. Samuel Lee, as their Pas- 
tor. The exercises were — Dedicatory Prayer, by Rev. 
Mr. Fitch of HoUiston — Introductory Prayer, for Ordina- 
tion, Smith, E. Sudbury — Sermon, Taylor, New-Haven, 
Con. — Ordaining Prayer, Wood, Upton — Charge, Beech- 
er, Boston — Right Hand of Fellowship, Phelps, Hopkin- 
ton — Address to the Church and Society, Pond, Boston ; 
Concluding Prayer, Baldwin, Berlin. At intervals, dur- 
ing the service, a number of appropriate Anthems, and 
Hymns were sung. 

Samuel ]jEe, pastor of the second Religious Congre- 
gational Society, is a native of Middletown, Conn. He 
was graduated at Yale College in 1B27, and pursued his 
professional studies, in the Theological Institution, at- 
tached to that semin-jry. He is to receive a salary of 
;^500 a year, and to be dismissed from his pastoral rela- 
tion, on cither party giving six months previous notice. 



HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 7? 

Marriages, Births, Deaths.— It appeal's tliat the 
inhabitants of Sherburne were more particular in record- 
ing these, in former days, than they have been in later 
times. From the records, which 1 have been permitted, 
to examine, the following is the result — Marriages to the 
end of the year 1827—693. Births 2774. Deaths 758. 

Admissions to full Communion. — By Mr» Porter 158. 
Locke 52. Brown 171. Townsend 90. 

Baptisms.— By Mr. Porter 442. Locke 245. Browre 
914. Townsend 132. 

Rev. Mr. Townsend has written several letters to the 
people of his former charge, of both societies, in which 
he expresses the highelt solicitude for their temporal and 
eternal welfjire. He earnestly exhorts them to avoid the 
mistaking of sectarian bigotry and zeal, for a sincere de- 
sire to promote the cause of truth, virtue, piety and holi- 
ness. He urges them to let there be no strife amon^ 
them, but an earnest endeavor to excel fn dealing justly, 
loving mercy and walking humbly with G.od. 

Ptespecting his ov/n relation to the two .societies, these 
are his words. 

" I was, it is well understood already by both ppaties, favorable to 
the settlement of Mr. Clarke over both the church a od society, on the 
supposition that both concurred. Whether I was iT-i.sta,ken, or not, 
will be decided, in my mind, very much by the course, which both 
my reverend brother and my beloved church shall be four.'d to take. 
If they both strive to keep far away the demon of parly spi.-it, and by 
zealous means to promote the salvation of souls, my heart shall re- 
joice. But if the one becomes remiss and the other bigi :)tted, my 
soul shall weep in secret places. 

I have thought it important, that there should be no niista ke, as to 
the relation, which I conceive myself to sustain, on the one pa rt to the 
church, and on the other to the society. I confess, I hardl v know 
Avhat language to use, in distinguishing between the bi'ethre n, who 
are connected with the first parish and those connected > yith -the sec- 



80 HISTORY OF SHERBURNE. 

ond; for I know not what either or both of you have done, in the way 
of separation from each other, as forming a distinct church. If noth- 
ing has been done on either side, then I am pastor of the same church 
I always was ; for there has been no separation. But if there has 
been a regular separation, then I consider myself pastor of that church 
and minister of that society, wbich was a majority of the former so- 
ciety ; not because I am especially fond of being with a majority, but 
because such are my views of the nature of churches and societies." 

Conclusion. — IMr. Townsend's relation to this people is uncom- 
mon, if not unprecedented. He is claimed as senior pastor of two 
churches, the one liberal, the other orthodox, in the phrase of the day ; 
one styling themselves " the first church," the other " the church of 
Christ" in Sherburne. He is also claimed, as senior minister of two 
congregations of similar sentiments to those of the respective church- 
es, with which they unite in public worship. He has a colleague, o"^ 
associate pastor and teacher ordained over each society; and if the 
wishes and prayers of both shall be answered, he will be speedily re- 
stored to health, return to the scene of Ms former labors and be receiv- 
ed by both, in the open arms of respectful and grateful affection. 

May Divine Providence so overrule all their proceedings, that peace 
and harmony may prevail, as heretofore for more than a century and a 
half, under a succession of able and faithful ministers. May each so- 
ciety allow the other, without molestation or censure, to enjoy the 
liberty, wherewith Christ and the form of government, under which 
we live, have made them free. And long after the agents in the trans- 
actions, which are now taking place, shall have gone to render an ac- 
count of the deeds done in the body, and the hand, that is now writ- 
ing, shall have mouldered into dust; may the future historian, in ex- 
amining the records of the present and coming generations, meet with 
as little to excite a painful emotion, as has been found, in the archives 
of this ancient and respectable town, by the compiler of this humble 
production. 



Errata. — In' revising these sheets, a few typographical errors 
have been found and one or two instances of false grammar, in 
the passages written by the Compiler, which he leaves to the reader 
to discover aijid correct. 



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